The third seed is logically the player who will conclude the Women’s Singles event at the London Olympic Games, with the bronze medal draped on a ribbon around her neck.
Kim Kyungah, owing to her experience, her ultra reliable defensive style of play and her mental toughness makes her a favourite to gain a place on the medal podium at the conclusion of proceedings.
It was where she finished eight years ago in Athens.
However, at the Olympic Games strange things can happen; China’s Ding Ning and Li Xiaoxia are the favourites for gold and silver in either order but even though.
They have World Championships experience, but London is their Olympic debut.
An Olympics Games is different; strange things can happen.
Previous Results Less Relevant Do previous results have less bearing than in other tournaments?
The one player who may wish that to be the situation is Kim Kyungah.
Causes Kim Kyungah Problems Other than Ding Ning and Li Xiaoxi,a who simply overpower backspin players with their incredible top spin consistency and power, there is one other player who can cause the Korean backspin artiste headaches.
Shen Yanfei is the player in question and should matters go according to seeding, Kim Kyungah and Shen Yanfei are set to meet in round four, the round of the last 16.
If there is one player that Kim Kyungah would surely wish to have avoided in her quarter of the draw it is Shen Yanfei.
Recent Defeat Overall, Kim Kyungah has the better record again Shen Yanfei on the international scene; they have played six times, Kim Kyungah has won four of the meetings but the most recent occasion and very recent saw a Shen Yanfei victory.
Shen Yanfei beat Kim Kyungah in the final of the Women’s Singles event at the GAC GROUP 2012 ITTF World Tour Japan open in June.
Technique Shake-hands grip, short pimples on the forehand, reversed rubber on the backhand makes Shen Yanfei a difficult adversary for the defender.
Add to the fact that Shen Yanfei is left handed, the natural forehand attacking strokes is aimed into the backhand of the Korean and life is tough for the third seed.
Pressure of Occasion Also, you can add the pressure of the occasion; both are under pressure to perform; Shen Yanfei to repeat the Japanese success, Kim Kyungah to justify her third seeding but surely the Korean is under the greater pressure.
However, could that be the key to reverse the Japan verdict; Kim Kyungah responds under pressure?
Patience In Japan, Shen Yanfei showed great patience; she executed the forehand attacking stroke with minimal topspin; Kim Kyungah was never able to impart heavy backspin on the ball.
Carefully, cautiously Shen Yanfei progressed.
A Struggle Who knows Shen Yanfei and Kim Kyungah may never meet but it appears more than likely.
It could well be the match that decides the fate of Kim Kyungah; whatever it will be a mighty struggle.
