by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
In the deciding seventh game she led 10-6; she lost the next three points before eventually sealing success by the very narrowest of margins (9-11, 11-6, 11-6, 12-14, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9),
A dramatic when and it could prove a watershed win in her career as she strives to gain secure on the senior scene. Now 22 years old, it is the first time she has reserved her place in the quarter-finals of an ITTF World Tour Women’s Singles tournament.
“It was a “shaker” both of us a bit scared and fighting. In the beginning I played too fast then I said to myself play slower, make her work for the points and let her make the mistakes. I controlled my top spin play and forced her into loop to loop rallies. I am so happy I have my whole family supporting me probably they were shaking too”, Britt Eerland after overcoming Zeng Jian
Victory by the very narrowest of margins, it was the very same in the all Chinese duel which witnessed success for Chen Xingtong; the no.14 seed, she accounted for qualifier Che Xiaoxi in an equally close encounter as that experienced by Britt Eerland in opposition to Zeng Jian.
Maintaining her nerve, Chen Xingtong won in seven games and like Britt Eerland secured a place in an ITTF World Tour Women’s Singles quarter-final for the first time in her career.
Hard fought duels, it was to some extent the same for Monaco’s Yang Xiaoxin, like Britt Eerland she caused an upset, the no.11 seed, she accounted for Sweden’s Matilda Ekholm, the no.6 seed, in six games (3-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-8, 11-8, 12-10).
Last eight places booked after some tense moments, there was less apprehension for China’s Chen Meng, the top seed, she accounted for Viktoria Pavlovich of Belarus, the no.12 seed, in five games (12-10, 6-11, 11-5, 11-1, 12-10).
“This is my first time at the Hungarian Open. I had good preparation before my matches so far because I played against defensive players earlier.I am very satisfied with my performance so far”, Chen Meng after beating Viktoria Pavlovich
At the quarter-final stage Chen Meng meets Chen Xingtong; Britt Eerland opposes Yang Xioaxin.
