Tao Yuchang and Leng Yutong complete hat-tricks, three titles each

by Ian Marshall, Editor

Safely through to the quarter-finals, Tao Yuchang accounted for Elian Zemmal of France (11-9, 11-8, 11-3), Chinese Taipei’s Chang Yu-An (11-8, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9) and colleague Hu Dongshen (11-4, 13-15, 16-18, 11-7, 11-6) to arrest the title.

“The final was a really hard match. I knew it would be difficult to win but I really wanted to do it. All respect for Hu Dongshen, I think it was a really high level match. I am happy that I could keep my confidence and patience even in the nervous moments.” Tao Yuchang

In the opposite half of the draw, in the same rounds, Hu Dongshen had overcome Romania’s Iulian Chirita (11-9, 6-11, 11-9, 11-4), followed by success in opposition to compatriot, Zhang Minghao (11-8, 12-10, 6-11, 5-11, 11-9).

Tao Yuchang keeping the pen-hold grip alive (Photo: Richard Kalocsai)

Equally impressive

Impressive from Tao Yuchang, it was the same in the cadet girls’ singles event from Leng Yutong.

Following success against Egypt’s Hana Goda (11-8, 11-8, 9-11, 12-10), she overcame Rachel Sung of the United States (6-11, 12-10, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5) and teammate Sun Xiaomeng (11-7, 11-6, 11-8) to reserve the top step of the podium.

“I am really happy that I won this prestigious event. I knew my opponent so I was prepared for her game. I was surprised how confident I was but I think Xiaomeng was tired; that gave me more confidence. I could follow my planned tactics.” Leng Yutong

A most imposing performance from Leng Yutong; it had been the same in the opposite half of the draw from Sun Xiaomeng. At the quarter-final stage she had beaten Germany’s Annett Kaufmann (11-6, 11-6, 11-7), prior to ousting colleague Qin Yuxuan (11-5, 11-3, 11-7).

Runners up spot for Sun Xiaomeng (Photo: Richard Kalocsai)

Goal achieved

Determined performances and the goal realised; it was the same scenario in both the cadet boys’ doubles and cadet girls’ doubles events.

Very much in harmony, Tao Yuchang and Zhang Minghao ended the hopes of the Korea Republic. At the semi-final stage they beat Kim Minwoo and Lee Hoyun (11-7, 10-12, 11-2, 12-10), followed by success when facing Lim Yunoh and Oh Junsung (8-11, 12-10, 11-6, 11-8). In the counterpart semi-final, Lim Yunoh and Oh Junsung had prevailed in opposition to colleague Seo Hyeonwoo who partnered Iran’s Navid Shams (14-12, 11-3, 11-13, 11-5).

Meanwhile, in the cadet girls’ doubles, after overcoming Joanna Sung and Rachel Sung of the United States (11-2, 11-3, 11-8); Leng Yutong and Qin Yuxuan sealed the title by beating the French pairing of Clea de Stoppeleire and Charlotte Lutz (11-4, 11-6, 11-8). In the adjacent penultimate round contest the French duo had ended the hopes of Germany’s Annett Kaufmann and Jele Stortz (11-6, 12-10, 10-12, 11-5).