by Ian Marshall, Editor

It was for Zhu Yuling a state of déjà vu; one year ago they had met at the same stage; on that occasion, Zhu Yuling had required the full seven games to beat Miyu Kato (11-9, 11-4, 12-14, 11-6, 10-12, 8-11, 11-4).

“Yes last year we played in the same round and I won four-three. Today I won four-one but it was really tough. It was a pity that I lost the fourth game. I was willing myself to win but maybe I was not so focused. The fifth game was really tough; Miyu Kato just would not give up. All I could do was just keep trying my best.” Zhu Yuling

Hard earned success, it was the same for Cheng Meng in opposition to Wang Manyu who, earlier in the day had prevailred in a gruelling full distance seven games contest against the defensive skills of Japan’s Hitomi Sato.

“I think one reason I was able to win was because of Wang Manyu’s physical condition; earlier in the day she had also played two doubles matches. I lost the second game even though I led 5-0; I made small errors, little mistakes and those mistakes cost me. Tomorrow I will pay attention to those details.” Chen Meng

At the semi-final stage Chen Meng meets Zhu Yuling. In the opposite half the draw the quarter-finalists have yet to be decided. China confronts Japan, Liu Shiwen, the no.2 seed, plays Mima Ito, the no.7 seed, Ding Ning, the no.6 seed, opposes Kasumi Ishikawa, the no.4 seed.

Both the remaining quarter-final matches and the semi-finals will be played on Saturday 3rd November.