DPR Korea again rises to occasion, now China awaits

by Ian Marshall, Editor

A three-nil win for DPR Korea but arguably the score-line was closer than at first sight the result may suggest; two of three matches went the full distance; the other was decided in four games.

Kim Song I set DPR Korea on the road to victory. She beat Lee Ho Ching (12-10, 11-2, 4-11, 11-6), before Cha Hyo Sim overcame Doo Hoi Kem in what proved the decisive match of the contest. Cha Hyo Sim won by the minimum margin in a tension packed contest to turn the tide (11-8, 7-11, 11-8, 7-11, 14-12). A major boost for DPR Korea, in an almost equally closely fought engagement, Kim Nam Hae prevailed against Minnie Soo Wai Yam, to end proceedings (11-9, 10-12, 11-3, 9-11, 11-6).

Hard fought exchanges, for China, the top seeds, life was less exacting but Korea Republic, the third seeds, proved worthy opponents.

Zhu Yuling commenced matters by beating Jeon Jihee (11-7, 11-5, 7-11, 11-5), before Chen Meng overcame Choi Hyojoo (11-8, 11-6, 11-8) and Wang Manyu accounted for Suh Hyowon to seal the victory (11-7, 3-11, 11-9, 11-9).

Success and although perhaps a little surprised, Li Sun, the national coach, had his troops well drilled

“The Korean team line-up today was not as what we had expected but we were prepared; the important thing for us is to just play our best on court.” Li Sun

Defeat for Jeon Jihee but she was philosophical and overall reasonably pleased with the efforts made.

“We are very thankful for having so many Korean fans here in the crowd cheering for us. We didn’t have a good draw I think, having to play Singapore in the quarter-finals and then China in the semi-finals, both are very strong teams. Before this match against China, we didn’t think too much. We had not faced China in a team event on the international stage for a long time, so it’s difficult for us.” Jeon Jihee

The final of the Women’s Team event will be played later in the day, in the evening session of play.