by Ian Marshall, Editor
A fine result for the 22 year old and his first career win in the prestigious tournament, last year on debut he had finished in fourth place in his initial phase group behind China’s Fan Zhendong, Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto and Chinese Taipei’s Chuang Chi-Yuan; not a win to his name.
“I am feeling great; this is my second Asian Cup. Every player is strong. It was just about concentration and feeling inside like I had to calm down; when I was leading, I had a lot of pressure inside. I did not know what to do. I just told myself to calm down and I found the tactic, I found the right moments in my decision making.” Kirill Gerassimenko
Success for Kirill Gerassimenko contrary to expectations; in the same group in the corresponding contest it was as per expectations. Fan Zhendong, the top seed and defending champion accounted for Hong Kong’s Wong Chun Ting (11-8, 11-5, 11-3).
Impressive from Fan Zhendong, it was the same from Tomokazu Harimoto, the no.2 seed, he overcame very much the player in form; he beat Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yun-Ju, the no.9 seed (8-11, 15-13, 11-5, 11-2). A four games win for Tomokazu Harimoto; in the same group, it was a straight games win for China’s Ma Long, the no.6 seed, he overcame India’s Sharath Kamal Achanta, the no.11 seed (11-5, 11-5, 11-5).
“The second game was very important. After taking the game, I became more relaxed. If I want to top the group and proceed to main draw, then I have to beat Ma Long this afternoon. I will just try my best and challenge him.” Tomokazu Harimoto
Success for China, there was also success for the Korea Republic, Lee Sangsu somewhat balanced matters, after the defeat experienced by Jang Woojin. The no.3 seed, he overcame Chinese Taipei’s Chuang Chih-Yuan, the no.8 seed (11-6, 8-11, 12-10, 11-8). In the same group, there was also success for Japan’s Koki Niwa, the no.4 seed. He beat Stahiyan Gnanasekaran, the no.10 seed (11-7, 11-9, 10-12, 11-3) to cause India more pain.
Meanwhile, in the regional group, Iran’s Nima Alamian received a walk-over when due to face Sri Lanka’s Imesh Ransasingha; Thailand’s Supanut Wisutmaythangkoon accounted for Qatar’s Mohammed Abdulwahhab (13-11, 11-13, 11-5, 11-5).
Play in the initial phase continues later in the day.
