by Ian Marshall, Editor
Chen Meng accounted for Chinese Taipei’s Cheng I-Ching, the no.4 seed (11-6, 11-3, 8-11, 11-8), Zhu Yuling, returning to international duty having not played in the recent Seamaster 2019 ITTF World Tour Platinum Qatar Open, overcame the host nation’s Miu Hirano, the no.5 seed (11-1, 11-8, 6-11, 11-3).
“I have not played an international competition for over one month. I think I performed normally today. I have made full preparation for the Asian Cup this time during the closed training and today I played out what I have trained. I was too eager to win game three. My opponent also had two lucky points. After losing that game, my coach told me that I should calm down as I was still with the upper hand. My goal is to defend my title.” Zhu Yuling
Comprehensive wins, for Kasumi Ishikawa, it was somewhat different. She suffered at the hands of Singapore’s Feng Tianwei, the no.6 seed; she was beaten in straight games (13-11, 11-7, 11-7).
“This is my second match here and I think I am in better condition now. I did some research on her recently; this is why I won today.” Feng Tianwei
Success contrary to expectations for Feng Tianwei, in the same group there was a further upset. Chen Szu-Yu, the no.10 seed, overcame the defensive skills of Korea Republic’s Suh Hyowon, the no.7 seed (8-11, 11-3, 10-12, 11-8, 11-5).
Also, in the fourth group, there was positive news for Singapore; Lin Ye beat India’s Manika Batra (11-7, 15-13, 11-8) to maintain her unbeaten record, likewise Iran’s Mahshid Ashtari overcame Qatar’s Maha Faramarzi (11-1, 11-4, 11-4).
Meanwhile, for Hong Kong in the second series of matches there were differing fortunes. Doo Hoi Kem beat Thailand’s Suthasini Sawettabut, the no.11 seed (11-4, 11-8, 11-4); Lee Ho Ching, the no.12 seed, experienced defeat when facing Korea Republic’s Jeon Jihee (5-11, 14-12, 11-7, 11-4). Doo Hoi Kem is in the same group as Zhu Yuling, Lee Ho Ching in that of Chen Meng.
The concluding series of matches in the group stage will be played later in the day.
