by Ian Marshall, Editor
Defeat for Sofia Polcanova but she underlined the fact that she is now able to compete with the best in the world; in the past year she has made notable progress. Staying close to table, she matched Zhu Yuling for speed.
In the third game she had a major opportunity to reduce the match deficit. She established an 8-5 lead, playing error free and following her service time and again with a fearsome forehand directed towards the body of Sofia Polcanova, Zhu Yuling won the next six points to establish a three games to nil lead, at 8-6 the Austrian having taken a “Time Out”. There was now no stopping Zhu Yuling, she dominated the fourth game, a semi-final place was reserved.
“Today I came fully prepared; this the first time I have played Sofia; I had foreseen that I would meet some difficulties. I am very satisfied with my performance. Today she had a very good mind-set and was very strong in her attacking play; that’s why the score was very close in the second and third games.” Zhu Yuling
Success for Zhu Yuling was followed by success for Cheng I-Ching, a contest in which she had to recover from a two games to nil deficit, the crucial game being the fourth, a game in which Doo Hoi Kem established a 5-1 lead but could not capitalise on the advantage. Cheng I-Ching recovered, won the game by the minimal two point margin and never looked back.
In the fifth game she hit a purple patch to lead 9-1; in the sixth it was no different, Doo Hoi Kem electing for “Time Out” when losing 5-2. At 10-3 Cheng I-Ching held seven match points, she needed just one.
“I just told myself to calm down when I was two-nil behind. I think the key to this victory is that I carried out the tactics very firmly on court. In the semi-final, I will meet China’s Zhu Yuling. I will just try my best and enjoy the match.” Cheng I-Ching
The semi-final between Zhu Yuling and Cheng I-Ching is scheduled fo 10.30 am on Sunday 30th September.
Uncle Pop 2018 ITTF Women’s World Cup: Statistic provided by Beijing Sport University
