Thursday, June 4, 2009
10:40 PM
ITTF Pro Tour China Open - Lucky Qualifiers but Progress Prove to be Tough
Upsets were few and far between; the order of merit predominantly prevailed. Yu Meng Yu, Ma Liang and Liu Zhong Ze all reserved places in the first round proper.The only one of the trio to experience a reverse was Liu Zong Ze; on the opening day of play he was beaten by Korea’s Cho Eon Rae who confirmed his place as the group winner one day later with victory over Hong Kong’s Li Kwun Ngai. Second place for Liu Zhong Ze but with the top two players guaranteed a place in the main draw, the Singaporean received his visa for entry.

Meanwhile, local born Chew Zhe Yu Clarence and Tay Jit Kai manage to secure a place in the opening round. Fate lay in the hands of the lottery, their names were drawn as one of the six “Lucky Losers”. Under the qualification system, the top two players in each group progress to the main draw with six places being available for “Lucky Losers”.

However, they will be facing tough opponents in the Main Draw. World No. 33 Yu Meng Yu will be taking on Pro Tour Final Champion Guo Yan, while Chew and Tay will be facing the Top 2 Seeds in the Men's Singles Event. They are Ma Long and Ma Lin, also from China. Liu Zhong Ze is scheduled to meet Hong Kong's Jiang Tianyi whilst Ma Liang will take on Keinath Thomas from Slovak Republic.




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