SS FINALS 2010 Day 2 – A shot at the mainland from the island

By Don Hearn, Badzine Correspondent live in Taipei.  Photos: Badmintonphoto (live)

Cheng/Chien weathered a strong start in the second game by the Japanese pair and pulled out the 21-15, 21-18 win with a late 8-1 run, to the delight of the small but appreciative crowd.

“In the second game, we were too rushed and that’s why we fell behind by five points,” said Chien Yu Chin after the match.  “Also the wind was against us so we were having trouble controlling the shuttle.”

“We expected the match to be tough because this Japanese pair is very strong,” added Cheng Wen Hsing.  “Our strategy was to concentrate on getting the first game and we did, so even though we were against the wind in the second, we were one game up so we were still in a good position.

“Although we have won the Chinese Taipei Open many times, there have not been any mainland Chinese pairs here to challenge us.  We will be very happy if we can win at least one match against a mainland pair.  That is an important milestone for us.  The prize money isn’t really what is motivating us.

“We were a little sad when Gao Ling and the old guard retired because we feel we had just figured out how to beat them.  Now the younger players are much faster and hit harder and we haven’t been able to beat them.

“We are assured of advancing to the semi-finals so we have actually already decided what we are going to wear on Saturday.”

“We just hope that there will be lots of spectators to support us to win against the mainland Chinese,” added Chien, gesturing largely with her arms to emphasize the size of the crowd she wished for.

The world #1’s victory could soothe the disappointment of Taiwan fans after men’s doubles pair Fang/Lee were eliminated from semi-final eligibility, oddly enough, by Kido/Setiawan’s injury, which created two unbeaten pairs and thus no chance of a three-way tie.

For complete results from Day 2 of the BWF Super Series Finals, CLICK HERE

Come stay with us for the Super Series Finals at the Chateau de Chine.  Located at the heart of Sinjhuang City, Chateau de Chine Hotel is created to convey the vibrant and everlasting sense of traditional beauty. Inspired by the Art Nouveau style, Chateau de Chine hotel infuses the finest elegance of French design with an authentic touch of oriental aesthetics.   If you are looking for quality accommodation during the event or anytime you are visiting Taipei, check out their website here.