by Henry Chen
Two says earlier at the semi-final stage when facing Shandong Qilu, Liu Shiwen had been the one player to experience defeat in a three-one success; in the second match of the fixture she had been beaten by Chen Xingtong (11-9, 4-11, 6-11, 11-6, 7-3).
“I hope to perform better in the final.” Liu Shiwen after losing to Chen Xingtong.
In the title deciding contest it was a resolute who entered the arena. She gave Anxin the ideal start by beating Gu Ruochen (11-8, 8-11, 11-3, 11-8), before brining matters to a conclusion by overcoming the most successful player in this year’s competition. She overcame Zhu Yuling in three straight games (13-11, 11-4, 11-4) to inflict only the third defeat of the campaign on the Shandong Luneng player.
“I helped my team do some mental preparations for the final game, especially Liu Shiwen. I told her, she had to win the first match at least”, Rao Jingwen, Anxin coach
An impressive margin of victory for Liu Shiwen against Zhu Yuling but there was more to the contest than the score-line suggested.
Earlier in the second match of the fixture, Zhu Yuling trailed Feng Yalan by two games to nil, she recovered to level proceedings but in so doing injured her left foot, a medical break was required. Eventually, Zhu Yuling succeeded (9-11, 8-11, 11-2, 11-9, 7-5) but when facing Liu Shiwen full fitness is required; for Zhu Yuling it was a bridge too far.
The win recorded by Zhu Yuling levelled matters but in the very next contest the pendulum swung in favour of Anxin. Feng Yalan and Liu Gaoyang combined to win the doubles contest against Gu Yuting and Li Xiaodan and Gu Yuting in straight games (11-6, 11-7).
“Wuhan team did a great job today. I have tried my best in today’s match. I did not expect the accident but it is normal in competitions. In the forthcoming days, my wound will heal and I will get ready for the matches in next year”, Zhu Yuling
Thus the scene was set for Liu Shiwen to seal the victory; the mission was duly accomplished; the prestige of being named the 2016 Chinese Women’s Super League champions belonged to the team from Wuhan, it belonged to Anxin.
Sunday 31st December: Super League Men’s and Women’s Finals
Sunday 31st December: Super League Semi-Finals
Sunday 31st December: Final Super League Results
Sunday 31st December: Final Super League Team Positions
Sunday 31st December: Final Super League Averages