VICTOR Hong Kong Open continued with all action in the quarterfinals at the Coliseum in Hung Hom on Friday. Chinese Taipei’s ‘Twin Combination”, Li Fang Chih and Li Fang Jen, who sent home world ranked number one men’s doubles pair from Indonesia in the previous round, failed to capitalise the feat as they lost to their Denmark opponents.
Seventh seeds Kim Astrup and Anders Rasmussen came out the eventual winner with a quick fire 21-13, 21-17 win over the twins from Chinese Taipei. Despite the result, the two Lis were still happy with their maiden campaign in Hong Kong as they had learned a lot from the high level players.
Ranked 24th in the world, the Li brothers struggled from the beginning as the Danes easily won the first game 21-13. They showed marked improvement in the second and went into the lead for three times, but still the Danes were too strong for them, sealing the victory with a 21-17 win.
The losing pair said the Danes combination was very powerful in terms of physical strength and had vast experience, always adjust their rhythm to lead the game progress. But the two brothers was happy with the result of making it to the quarterfinal in their Hong Kong Open debut. “We have learned a lot as this is the first time we take part in the Hong Kong event,” the two Li said. “With such a strong field, we have never expected to reach the last eight as we just want to try match by match before learning more experience so that we can improve in the next stage.”
In the women’s singles, fifth seed Gregoria Tunjung of Indonesia upset former world champion Carolina Marin of Spain in two games 21-9, 21-18. Marin, the third seed, said she was disappointed with her performance. Although she wanted to give her best in Hong Kong, a hectic schedule in the world tour made it difficult for all the players.
“I thought I didn’t play good during the whole week,” she said. “Even after the World Championship, I couldn’t have any break. Also, I still have some pain in my hamstring.”
Marin’s defeat means she will not be facing rival Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in the semi-finals. The Japanese top player won her match against Zhang Beiwen 21-13, 21-15.
In the women’s doubles, top seeds Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara of Japan took the first game 21-17 against Thai sisters Benyapa Amisaard and Nuntakarn Amisaard but lack the momentum to finish it off. After winning the closely contested second game 25-23, the Thai combination went on to win 21-14 in the decider and reach the semi-finals.
