Wednesday, June 3, 2009
10:02 PM
ITTF Pro Tour China Open - Daunting Opponents for the Singaporean Princesses of Defensive Art
14 year old Li Siyun Isabelle and 18 year old Sim Kai Xin Zena, two players who have impressed on the ITTF Junior Circuit, found life tough on the first day of play at the Harmony China Open in the southern Chinese city of Suzhou. Competing in the qualification stage of proceedings, both suffered defeats, concluding their group matches against worthy opponents. Zena Sim was beaten by Japan’s Reiko Hiura; whilst Isabelle suffered at the hands of Korea’s Lee Eun Hee. They lost 11-8, 11-5, 11-9, 11-5 and 11-5, 11-4, 11-3, 11-2 respectively.

However, neither of the aspiring teenage talents should be too down hearted; both lost to worthy opponents and to adversaries who are more than competent players against those who exploit their skills using the backspin art. Lee Eun Hee can be considered to be one of the very best players in the world when it comes to competing against defenders.
On the one hand, she is accustomed to playing against backspin, the Korean National League possesses a host of fine female defensive players and in the national team two of her compatriots, Kim Kyung Ah and Park Mi Young merit the title “World Class”; arguably they are the two best female defensive players in the world. Furthermore, Lee Eun Hee is more than equipped to play defenders; penhold grip, fast footwork, short pimples; her attacking drive style of play, the ball travelling with minimal topspin, makes life difficult for backspin returns.

Meanwhile, Reiko Hiura is in the traditional textbook attacking style of Japanese play. Consistent, neat, compact, short stroke, well balanced and thoroughly efficient; she has the patience to wear down the adversary and succeed.

The defeats for the Singaporeans were there second reverses of the day. In the opening matches, both had lost to adversaries from Chinese Taipei; Isabelle Li was beaten by Hou Yu-Ling (11-7, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-9) whilst Zena Sim lost to Hsiung Nai-I (11-13, 11-9, 5-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-5).

Defeats for the defenders, there were also defeats for the attackers. Ma Ming Lu, who has been absent in the international arena for a long time, made a disappointing appearance on the first day of competition. She suffered under Korea's Choi Moon Young 11-6, 11-8, 12-10, 11-5, before losing to Chinese Taipei's Cheng I-Ching 11-8, 11-7, 8-11, 11-4,11-13,11-5.

On the other hand, Yu Meng Yu, the highest female world ranked player in action on the opening day and a player who had impressed at the recent Commonwealth Championships in the Scottish city of Glasgow, did not have to raise her racket in anger; owing to the non appearance of her intended adversary, Congo Democratic’s Amma Litobka.

In the Men's Singles Group Event, local paddlers continue their woes. Pang Xue Jie, Chew Zhe Yu Clarence and Tay Jit Kai ended their day with defeats from higher ranked adversaries. Pang was no match against South Korea's Jo Ji Hoon. He lost 11-5, 11-3, 11-8, 11-7. Chew Zhe Yu Clarence was another victim by the Koreans. He lost to Jeong Sang Eun 11-7, 11-2, 11-6, 11-8. Meanwhile, Tay Jit Kai was crashed by North Korea's Kim Song Nam. Tay only won a total of 12 points in the 4 games. He lost 11-1, 11-5, 11-1, 11-5.

However, the more experienced colleagues enjoyed better fortunes. Ma Liang enjoyed a walkover before defeating Kim Dong Hyun 11-9, 11-7, 11-5, 11-9. Liu Zhong Ze lost to South Korea's Cho Eon Rae 11-5, 3-11, 12-14, 2-11,10-12. He managed to recover to defeat Hong Kong's teenager Li Kwun Ngai 20-18, 8-11, 11-9, 11-9,11-6.

The Men's and Women's Singles and Doubles Qualification will continue tomorrow.




please contact us at sttnews@live.com.sg for any suggestions or enquires