by Ian Marshall, Editor

Kasumi Ishikawa, just as earlier in the day when facing Ding Ning, made a fast start; she had won the first three points of the match, she established a 4-1 lead but the forehand potent, it was the Chinese Taipei player who secured the opening game.

Boosted by the success, Cheng I-Ching made the better start in the second game; she went ahead 5-1, Kasumi Ishikawa reduced the deficit to one point at 6-5 but never gained parity.

Two games to nil ahead, Cheng I-Ching extended her advantage; in the third game Kasumi Ishikawa established a 9-7 lead, for a player of her level, she made two relatively unforced errors trying to execute forehand top spin strokes. Cheng I-Ching won three points in a row; at 10-9 she held game point, the point was saved but when a second opportunity arose at 11-10 she converted. Simply Cheng I-Ching had taken her chances; Kasumi Ishikawa had missed golden opportunities.

Chances missed chances taken, in the fourth game it proved a very similar scenario; only this time the player who let the opportunity go begging was Cheng I-Ching, twice she held match point before Kasumi Ishikawa prevailed.

Motivated by the narrow success; in the fifth game Kasumi Ishikawa went ahead 5-1 but the next four points went to Cheng I-Ching; at 10-8 Cheng I-Ching held two match points, in a match of chances, she seized the opportunity.

“I am very satisfied with my performance today. I prepared some special tactics before the match and I carried them out very well. My mental strength has grown after this victory. I did not expect that I could win four-one. Kasumi is a strong player but I entered into match rhythm very quickly today.” Cheng I-Ching

Success for Cheng I-Ching and a reversal of fortunes; earlier this year she had lost the Kasumi Ishikawa in the third place match in Yokohama at the Asian Cup.

Uncle Pop 2018 ITTF Women’s World Cup: Statistics provided by Beijing Sport University