by Wade Townsend
Chen Xingtong and Wang Manyu (CHN) have defeated Japanese pair Mima Ito and Hina Hayata 3-1 in the Women’s Doubles semi-final at the Seamaster 2017 Australian Open.
During the match a small but vocal crowd of supporters made themselves heard. The Chinese and Japanese fans were competing against each other as much as the players.
The pair from China lost the opening game 11-9, but from then on in it was one way traffic. Chen and Wang won the next three games 11-5 ,11-3, 11-7 and reserved a place in the final. Not bad for a pair playing together for the first time.
After the win the pair were asked about what similarities they share.
“We have similar blood types and star signs, so our personalities are the same.” Chen Xingtong
But how about what is different?
“She’s short and I’m tall!” Wang Manyu
Chen wasn’t impressed and was quick to retort.
“But my eyes are big and her’s are small. Bigger eyes are more beautiful!” Chen Xingtong
Hopefully this does’t lead to any friction before Friday’s final.
On the neighbouring court Chen Meng and Zhu Yuling (CHN) were imperious in their match against India’s Sutirtha Mukherjee and Pooja Sahasrabudhe. The no.1 seeds were in complete control on the court as they booked a place in the final.
The Women’s Doubles final will be played at 18:30 local time on Friday 7th July. Be sure to catch the action live at tv.ittf.com.
