FRENCH OPEN 2012 R32 – Seeds out early

Last week’s finalist Du Pengyu was shown the way out by the constantly improving Wong Wing Ki from Hong Kong. The chinese player was later joined by London’s silver medallists Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen, whom also suffered a huge blow, being ousted by the new pairing of Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan, in  straight games. On her hand Saina Nehwal, was close to lose against a very fierce Han Li from China.

By Tarek Hafi, Badzine Correspondent live in Paris.  Photos: Yohan Nonotte for Badmintonphoto (live)

Saina’s in but Sung’s out

Sung Ji Hyun got trapped in a net laid down by Chen Xiao Jia (pictured), failing to go through the second round despite her fifth seed status here in Paris. The the tall Korean number one, after earning the opening game by a slight margin 21-18, was taught a severe lesson in the second game, 21-4, completely outplayed by the fellow twenty-one year-old, whom she hasn’t faced since losing to the then Asian Junior Champion in the tri-nation junior challenge in 2009.

Faster and perspicuous in every shot, the up-and-coming Chen closed out the rubber 21-14, to rush through to the second round, where she’ll play Singapore’s Gu Juan, another player she has beaten this year.

A few minutes later, the number one seed from India was more than troubled by yet another up-and-coming player from the Chinese empire.  Han Li (pictured) may be a little more seasoned but she is still not a year into her sustained foray into the international scene. Saina Nehwal, the recent bronze medallist in London, was close to suffering an early loss in Paris, after being crowned last week in Denmark.

A slow start from the Chinese allowed Saina to take a one-game lead with a quick 21-11.  Saina was then quickly stopped by Han Li, adding an extra energy in every rallies she plays. The rubber marked the start of the mental game, but the edge went to Saina at 19-all, when Han Li appeared to be worn out, failing to follow her opponent’s pace. With a final mistake from Han Li, Saina could finally exult, having overcome her first challenge at this French Open.

Denmark Open finalist sent packing

Denmark Super Series sensation Du Pengyu, a few days after appearing in the finals and coming close to upsetting London silver medallist Lee Chong Wei in a three games battle, was shown the way out on his opening Parisian round.

Indeed, Hong Kong’s Wong Wing Ki (pictured), was still feeling the bitterness of his defeat last week against Jan Jorgensen.

“In Denmark, I really wanted to reach the semi-final but couldn’t against Jan Jorgensen where I felt a pain in my back,” said Wong after his match, “but luckily when I entered the court today, I felt nothing and could simply play my game without any pressure.”

And he surely did.  The first game went all on Wong Wing Ki’s side, as he played the key points with accurate smashes, forcing Du to play the net, an area of game Wong himself feels the most comfortable with.

“I really felt good throughout the game, and I think I had this extra time to rest and it made me feel really good.  I am really please with the way I played today.”

And the Hong Kong shuttler should be pleased with himself, as he kept his head calm during the key points, despite losing the second game. The rubber, became a one-sided game for Wong Wing Ki, who left no chance to Du Pengyu to wish for a comeback in his opening match.

Olympic Medallists  OUT

Carsten Mogensen and Mathias Boe (pictured) probably didn’t expect such an early exit, after grabbing a historical silver medal in London but the two tall Danes simply had no answer to counter-attack the technical master Hendra Setiawan and his new partner Mohammad Ahsan. The recent Denmark Super Series semi-finalist couldn’t do anything against their opponents of the day, who led the way in every department.

Far from their London’s shape, Mathias and Carsten kept succumbing to Ahsan’s attacks while Hendra Setiawan showed off his wonderful touch at the front. The new Indonesian pairing sent the Danes packing with a 21-16, 21-15 victory and are scheduled to meet Hoon Thien How and Tan Wee Kiong from Malaysia on Thursday.

Click here for complete Day 2 results