by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Wang Manyu, the no.6 seed, beat Chinese national team colleague, Chen Meng, the top seed (11-8, 7-11, 14-12, 13-11, 11-7) and thus levelled her recent track record against the current world no.1 on the international scene.

Last year on the Seamaster 2017 ITTF World Tour she had lost the Cheng Meng in the final in both Qatar and Australia; later in the year she had emerged successful in the round of the last eight in Austria, notably progressing to win the title.

“It is a most difficult task to play against year team mate, it is harder than against foreign players. I am taking the competition step by step; now I am looking forward to the semi-final.” Wang Manyu

Success for Wang Manyu, as the quarter-final contests in the Women’s Singles event concluded, it was the same for Sun Yingsha; required to compete in the qualification tournament, she accounted for Hong Kong’s Lee Ho Ching, the no.2 seed (11-6, 11-4, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6).

“I think I played well in this match but are there are more things to improve for the next match . I am looking forward to the semi final and a better performance.” Sun Yingsha

Wins contrary to seeding, it was the same for Chen Xingtong, the no.9 seed and defending champion, she overcame Austria’s Sofia Polcanova, the no.8 seed (11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9).

“I made a few mistakes and my opponent played really well it cost me two games. I will need to give a much better performance in the semi-final.” Chen Xingtong

Three contests won by the lower rated player, in fact it was four. Chinese Taipei’s Chen Szu-Yu, the no.5 seed and the one player not representing the People’s Republic of China to book a last four place, was the player to set the standard for the penultimate day of action. The no.5 seed, she displayed an increasing maturity to overcome the defensive skills of Li Jie of the Netherlands, the no.4 seed (11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9).

“I am very happy to be the first player to reach the semi-finals here in Budapest. I was too anxious during the match; the key was to control my emotions. Once I was calm I could follow my tactics my better and play at a higher level.” Chen Szu-Yu

At the semi-final stage Wang Manyu meets Chen Xingtong, Chen Szu-Yu opposes Sun Yingsha; the matches are scheduled to commence later in the day at 6.30pm (local time).