by Ian Marshall, Editor
Listed at no.18 on the current Women’s World Rankings, she was beaten in seven games by the host nation’s Lee Nakyung (12-10, 6-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8, 5-11, 11-6), a player named at no.763 in the global order.
The win means that Lee Nakyung is guaranteed first place in the group; in her opening contest she overcame Japan’s Yumeno Soma (12-10, 3-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-7); for Lee Ho Ching it is farewell.
Disappointment for Hong Kong, for Japan’s leading names on qualification duty, it was mixed fortunes. Hina Hayata was forced to withdraw from proceedings, somewhat conversely, Miyu Kato accounted for DPR Korea’s Jong Un Ju (11-6, 11-9, 11-8, 2-11, 11-3).
Similarly, amongst the leading ladies, there was success was for China’s Gu Yuting, behind Hina Hayata, the second highest rated name in the Women’s Singles qualification tournament. She accounted for Korea Republic’s Shin Yubin (11-6, 10-12, 11-9, 11-9, 11-3).
“I felt that she restricted my game and I was a little flustered. After all, this was the first match of the competition; when I was feeling anxious I was slightly affected by the cheering fans but once I was in the zone I didn’t really hear them. I have played several competitions so I don’t feel too affected by nerves. I hope that I can make the Grand Finals again this year by doing well in all the Opens.” Gu Yuting
Success for Gu Yuting as status advised; for three further players who commenced matters, the highest rated in their respective groups, there were defeats and as a result journey’s end.
Chinese Taipei’s Chen Szu-Yu and Japan’s Miyuu Kihara both experienced defeat at the hands of adversaries from DPR Korea. Chen Szu-Yu lost to Kim Sol Song (11-9, 10-12, 11-9, 11-4, 11-8); Miyuu Kihara was beaten by Pyon Song Gyong (8-11, 11-9, 12-14, 11-2, 11-3, 6-11, 11-7). Earlier, Kim Sol Song had overcome Hong Kong’s Zhu Chengzhu (11-6, 11-9, 11-5, 11-3) and is thus confirmed in top place in her group.
Meanwhile, in her second encounter, Pyon Song Gyong accounted for Li Chia-Hsuan (6-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-5, 11-6) and now faces the host nation’s Ku Kyojin. She suffered defeats on the opening day against both Li Chia-Hsuan (7-11, 11-5, 14-12, 11-9, 7-11, 8-11, 11-5) and Miyuu Kihara (11-3, 11-4, 11-7, 11-8). Whatever, the outcome of the remaining matches in the group, Pyon Song Gyong is guaranteed first place.
It is the same situation for China’s Hu Limei; presently listed at no.311 on the Women’s World Rankings she beat Singapore’s Yu Mengyu, named at no.46 and the highest rated player in the group (11-6, 11-6, 11-6, 11-7) to conclude her first phase itinerary of matches. Earlier, in her opening contest she had accounted for DPR Korea’s Kim Nam Hae (8-11, 11-9, 12-14, 11-2, 11-3, 6-11, 11-7).
Play in the qualification tournament concludes on Wednesday 18th July.
