by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
“It was so difficult playing against Li Xue, the match was much harder than the result might suggest”, said Han Ying. “Long points it is mentally very tiring, most importantly you have to believe in yourself.”
Perseverance and patience eventually won the day.
Make Changes
“Tactically when you are playing under the Expedite Rule you must be prepared to make changes”, explained Han Ying. “When you are serving and you need to attack sometimes you must be patient and wait; on other occasions you need to attack earlier in the rally; today when receiving service I kept telling myself that I must not lose!”
Success for one defender against another of the same art[ as matters progressed in the top half of the draw in the fourth round of the Women’s Singles event, there was success for a backspin artiste again a player of the top spin variety.
Defence Prevails
DPR Korea’s Kim Song I, the no.27 seed, accounted for Chinese Taipei’s Chen Szu-Yu, the no.23 seed, to cause a minor upset (11-2, 11-6, 10-12, 8-11, 11-9, 11-9); likewise Singapore’s Yu Mengyu raised the eyebrows.
Occupying the no.9 seeded position in the competition, she overcame Korea’s Jeon Jihee, listed one place higher at no.8 to reach the last eight (12-10, 8-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-2).
Quarter-Finals
At the quarter-final stage Ding Ning meets Han Ying, Yu Mengyu opposes Kim Song I.
The matches will be played on Tuesday 9th August.
