by Ian Marshall, Editor
Matches best of five games, for the leading names, those who have previous World Championships experience, it was exacting times, there was no gentle introduction.
In her opening contest in the women’s event, Liu Shiwen beat Zhu Yuling by the very narrowest of margins (11-9, 9-11, 4-11, 11-3, 13-11); similarly in the men’s event, Fan Zhendong needed the full five games to overcome Lin Gaoyuan (12-10, 11-4, 9-11, 8-11, 11-7).
“The first match is always very important, so both of us came here fully prepared today. The match was really tough. I was leading 2-0 then Lin managed to come back 2-2. The deciding game was also very fierce. The match is now over; I need to change my focus for the next match. I remember last time I lost two matches at the beginning, this time I have already won the first match, so I think I have made some progress. I hope I can perform better in the next few rounds and qualify.” Fan Zhendong.
Likewise, there was a close call for Liang Jingkun, in his opening contest he survived a tough examination by Yu Ziyang (11-6, 2-11, 11-7, 12-14, 12-10).
Notably later in the day both beat Xu Xin, Yu Ziyang prevailed in four games (7-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-5), Liang Jingkun by a similar margin (5-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-8). Alas for Xu Xin, he ended the day with just one win to his name, that being in his opening contest when facing Xu Chenhao (13-11, 11-7, 11-6).
“The most challenging thing for me is my physical fitness. The first day of a tournament is always very tough. The most dangerous thing playing this kind of round-robin system is that after losing some matches, you lose your confidence and make mistakes. Losing the two matches is not related to the final results.” Xu Xin
Defeat for Xu Chenhao but in his next engagement there was success; he beat Fang Bo, runner up in Suzhou at the Qoros 2017 World Championships, in the closest match of the day (13-11, 8-11, 11-8, 10-12, 18-16).
Meanwhile, in the women’s event, the player to state her case was Wang Manyu, the 20 year old beat He Zhuojia in her opening contest (11-9, 4-11, 11-7, 11-6), before overcoming Liu Shiwen (6-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-9) and Sun Yingsha (11-9, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8).
A successful end to the day for Wang Manyu, it was the same for Liu Shiwen; in her one remaining match for the day, she beat Gu Yuting (11-4, 11-3, 14-12).
“Today’s matches were is normal for me. I have not set any specific goal this time, just try to find my own rhythm and direction for future training. I want to release my stress through matches.” Liu Shiwen
Each player will compete in a further two or three matches on Friday 1st March.
Results
2019 Marvellous 12: Results – Men – Thursday 28th February
2019 Marvellous 12: Results – Women – Thursday 28th February
Standings
2019 Marvellous 12: Standings – Men – Thursday 28th February
2019 Marvellous 12: Standings – Women – Thursday 28th February
Forthcoming Matches – Men
2019 Marvellous 12: Order of Play – Men – Friday 1st March
2019 Marvellous 12: Order of Play – Men – Saturday 2nd March
2019 Marvellous 12: Order of Play – Men – Sunday 3rd March
Forthcoming Matches – Women
2019 Marvellous 12: Order of Play – Women – Friday 1st March
2019 Marvellous 12: Order of Play – Women – Saturday 2nd March
2019 Marvellous 12: Order of Play – Women – Sunday 3rd March
Quotes of the Day
2019 Marvellous 12: Quotes of the day – Thursday 28th February
