DPR Korea progress continues, podium place reserved

by Ian Marshall, Editor

Cheng I-Ching gave Chinese Taipei the ideal start; she beat Cha Hyo Sim in four games (11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 13-11) but that was to prove her team’s only success. Chen Szu-Yu suffered at the hands of Kim Song I (11-4, 11-8, 11-5), before in a full distance contest, decided by the minimal two point margin, Cheng Hsien-Tu experienced defeat at the hands of Kim Nam Hae (13-11, 9-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-9).

DPR Korea in the ascendancy, matters concluded with the defensive skills of Kim Song I proving too secure for Cheng I-Ching; a straight games verdict (11-4, 11-9, 11-5) was order of the day.

Success contrary to seeding, in the remaining quarter-final contests, it was as per seeding.

China, the top seeds, selecting Wang Manyu, Chen Meng and Zhu Yuling beat the Japanese outfit comprising Miyu Kato, Minami Ando and Miyu Maeda by three matches to nil. A comprehensive win but Wang Manyu was somewhat self-critical.

“It’s my first Asian Games, I feel I’ve not fully adapted to the humidity here and my feel for the ball, so I still felt nervous in the match, especially now that it’s the knock-out round. I think I could still play better.” Wang Manyu

Similarly, the no.3 seeds, Korea Republic’s Suh Hyowon, Jeon Jihee and Yang Haeun recorded a three-one success against the no.6 seeds, Singapore’s Feng Tianwei, Yu Mengyu and Lin Ye; the same result as Hong Kong, the no.4 seeds, posted against India, the no.8 seeds. Hong Kong selected Lee Ho Ching, Doo Hoi Kem and Minnie Soo Wai Yam; for India the line-up read Manika Batra, Ayhika Mukherjee and Mouma Das.

The one winner for India was Manika Batra. She beat Lee Ho Ching in the opening match of the fixture (11-9, 11-9, 5-11, 11-6); the backbone of success for Hong Kong was Doo Hoi Kem; she accounted for both Ayhika Mukherjee (12-14, 11-4, 12-10, 11-8) and Manika Batra (11-8, 11-8, 13-11).

Meanwhile, for Singapore, the only success came in the opening match of the engagement when Feng Tianwei overcame Suh Hyowon (9-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7); the guiding hand for Korea Republic was Jeon Jihee. She prevailed against both Yu Mengyu (9-11, 12-10, 11-9, 13-11) and Feng Tianwei (11-8, 11-8, 11-8).

Disappointment but Yu Mengyu is well aware of the trials and tribulations of the international arena.

“It’s a pity but I played my best in the match, so there are no regrets. Next I still have the singles event coming up, so I’ll put all my attention into preparing for that and hope to have no regrets at this Asian Games.” Yu Mengyu

Likewise Feng Tianwei was philosophical, having earlier in the day being called to duty in the concluding group stage contest against Vietnam.

“Jeon played very aggressively, which was not to my expectation. I ended up playing passively. I played three matches yesterday and four today, so it’s really tiring. I’ll need more rest before my singles competition.” Feng Tianwei

In the penultimate round, China meets Korea Republic, Hong Kong faces DPR Korea; both semi-finals and finals will be played on Wednesday 28th August.