by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
A most impressive performance by Chen Meng, it was exactly the same from her colleagues Zhu Yuling, the no.2 seed and from Chen Xingtong, a player who had been required to negotiate the rigours of the qualification tournament.
Zhu Yuling beat Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem (11-7, 11-7, 11-4, 11-6); in a similar vein, Chen Xingtong ended the hopes of Turkey’s Hu Melek, the reigning European champion. Chen Xingtong prevailed in five games (11-5, 11-4, 11-6, 6-11, 11-4).
“I didn’t find too many problems playing against her style of play. Today I felt comfortable, I moved well. Certainly winning earlier in the year in Hungary has helped my confidence but I’m still excited to play here in Stockholm.” Chen Xingtong
Success for one qualifier in the guise of Chen Xingtong; there was also success for another. Japan’s Miyu Kato, who one day earlier had beaten Germany’s Han Ying,the no.8 seed (10-12, 5-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-3, 5-11, 11-8) overcame Singapore’s Yu Mengyu, likewise a qualifier (11-13, 11-5, 12-10, 11-5, 11-9). The success was somewhat of a revenge win for Japan, in the opening round Yu Mengyu had beaten Hina Hayata, the no.11 seed (9-11, 12-10, 5-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-3).
At the quarter-final stage Chen Meng meets Chen Xingtong, Miyu Kato opposes Zhu Yuling; the matches will be played on Saturday 18th November and will be followed by the semi-finals later in the day.