by Simon Daish
Zhu Yuling was seeded third for 2016’s tournament and having won the trophy at the 2015 China Open, was expected to make the final day of action in Chengdu.
However, instead Zhu met a premature exit following a tremendous showing from Korea Republic’s Yang Haeun (ninth seed).
The match saw Zhu make a flying start out of the blocks by taking the opening end comfortably, but Yang hit back and levelled the final at one game apiece.
Both players exchanged game wins before Zhu found herself leading 2-3 and in a strong position for the win, however, Yang was determined to claim her first victory over the Chinese player and after taking back-to-back games she achieved that feat (3-11, 11-9, 3-11, 11-8, 5-11, 11-8, 11-8).
After pulling off her stunning victory Yang Haeun came to terms with the scale of her success:
“I did not know that Zhu Yuling was the champion last year. I am very happy. I played point by point. I would like to thank my coach” – Yang Haeun (Korea Republic).
Next up for Yang Haeun is a semi-finals clash with the world number one, Liu Shiwen (China).
Latest Results
Saturday 17th September: Women’s Singles – Main Draw
