SS FINALS 2010 Day 3 – Ko bounces back

Ko Sung Hyun picked up his first win since Wednesday as he and Ha Jung Eun dealt Gunawan and Marissa their first loss of 2011.

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

Korea’s Ko Sung Hyun – who has struggled in Taipei since coming up with two big wins on Day 1 of the Victor BWF 2010 Super Series Finals – finally got back on track on Friday evening.  Ko and partner Ha Jung Eun (pictured) were never able to relax against the Indonesian veterans and trailed throughout much of the first game.  Both pairs were playing it very tight to the net, resulting in numerous errors each way.

Vita Marissa and Hendra Aprida Gunawan (pictured below) were successful throughout the match at dropping the shuttle in front of the Korean defense but the Koreans tied it up at 18-all when Ko Sung Hyun dove for a drop at the front and Vita Marissa lifted the shuttle long at the back over Ha Jung Eun, who was at the moment left to defend all alone in mid-court.  The Koreans still had to save one game point, though before pulling it out 22-20.

The Koreans started much stronger in the second game and led all the way until the Indonesians erased a 3-point lead to draw level, again at 18-all.  The two then proceeded to trade points until Hendra let a Korean lift fall on the back line, his protests against the call to no avail.

“I think because we haven’t been playing much in preparation for this tournament, we had a lot of difficulties,” said Ko afterward.  “That was the case in men’s doubles and still in the mixed but I tried not to think about it.

“We had never played against this pair before and I think that allowed us to come into this match and play without any pressure.

“If we should make it to the semis, I would like to play the Chinese pair,” Ko offered, “because we have never beaten them and it would be nice to get the chance.”

For complete results from Day 3 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.