by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

At the same time as Zhu Yuling was overcoming Hong Kong’s Jiang Huajun (11-5, 11-7, 8-11, 11-7, 15-17, 11-3), Yang Haeun was causing Hong Kong further problems. She beat Lee Ho Ching, the no.15 seed in six games (5-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5, 9-11, 11-5).

“Lee Ho Ching plays at a fast speed; notably from the backhand, so it was important that I played with a lot of top spin, especially on my first attack”, Yang Haeun.

Fast from the backhand; that is also very much a trait of Yang Haeun. She stands rather more to the centre of the table when receiving service.

“Many players, like Lee Ho Ching, play towards the middle against me; today I tried to use my forehand more but I think most importantly today I was good mentally, my mind was clear”, Yang Haeun.

It was from Yang Haeun a most controlled performance, her backhand is her most potent weapon but rather than the machine-gun like attacks of junior days, it was a more measured performance. Problems were faced, problems were addressed.

“I found the bounce of the ball a little difficult, it kicks high when it bounces; so most of the time I used backspin serves”, Yang Haeun.

Success for Yang Haeun and as matters commenced in the opening round of the Women’s Singles event, there was also one more win to note.

Earlier in the day, Han Ying, had experienced a first round Women’s Doubles defeat in partnership with German colleague Shan Xiaona at the hands of the Czech Republic’s Hana Matelova who partnered the Slovak Republic’s Barbora Balazova.

In the opening round of the Women’s Singles event, Han Ying, the no.5 seed, gained a degree of revenge in the Women’s Singles event; she beat Hana Matelova in four straight games (11-9, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4).

Success for Han Ying; there was also success for Shan Xiaona; the no.3 seed, she booked her place in round two courtesy of a six games win in opposition to Poland’s Li Qian (8-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-8).