WANG Yihan Hoped to Regain her Women’s Singles Title after beating Sung Ji Hyan and Advanced to Top 4 in Hong Kong Open
Two-time Hong Kong Open Champion Wang Yihan proceed to top 4 of Women’s Singles in YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open Badminton Championships 2015 today by winning over Korean player Sung Ji Hyun 21:14, 21:7.
Sung Ji Hyun is a longtime rival of Wang Yihan. In September, Wang has just lost a 3 games battle to her in Korean Open even she has a better head to head record. Wong said, ‘Everytime I played against Sung it’s always a 3 games battle. Last time I even lost to her when I was leading quite a lot of points. This time I have changed my tactics and she wasn’t playing well. I finally won the match.’
Wong is the only player from China remained in Women’s Singles after her teammates Wang Shixian’s withdrawal from injury and Li Xuerui’s losing in the first round. She will play against the World No.1 Carolina Marin in semi-final tomorrow. The World No. 7 said she was not under any pressure but it will be a tough game. ‘Carolina is a lefty. It will be a tough to play with her. Last time in Europe, I lost in 2 games and both games I was leading at the beginning.’ She said.
The other Quarter-final of Women’s Singles was a replica of last year’s Final except the result was different. Japanese Nozomi Okuhara revenged on the defending Champion, Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei 21:13, 21:13. The 20-year-old Japanese eliminated Li Xuerui of China in the second round earlier is now getting closer for the Hong Kong Open title. She thought her victory was built on her substantial improvement after playing against high level players like Tai Tzu Ying more in this year. Tai Tzu Ying reviewed her performance and commented, ‘Okuhara has a better mentality in the match. I was constantly checking on my score.’
YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open Badminton Championships 2015 will be held at 1pm tomorrow. The tournament will continue to play until 22nd November at Hong Kong Coliseum. Tickets are on sale at URBTIX outlets and website(www.urbtix.hk). Enquiry hotline: 2333 1686(to 22nd November).