ALL ENGLAND 2013 R32 – Three Chens remain but no Du for China in men’s singles

On an eventful day at the All England, 3 Chinese men’s singles representatives remain as only Du Pengyu exits of the four serious contenders.

By Michael Burke, Badzine Correspondent, live from Birmingham.  Photos: Yohan Nonotte for Badmintonphoto (live).

Chen Long (pictured left) will fight another day after he struggled against Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsana early on. Ponsana controlled well in the first game, slowing down the play and taking the end 18-21. Unable to keep the level however, he backed off in the second allowing Chen to assert himself more physically on the game, with the more predictable score of 21-10.

Ponsana, led at the mid game 11-5 in the decider, but again the change of ends saw Chen the stronger player as he took over the match, winning the third 21-15.

Chinese player Du Pengyu faced a man who often promises great things, Chou Tien Chen (pictured right) of Chinese Taipei, and today he did not disappoint as he won in three sets, the score 21-17 10-21 21-18.

Chou was too strong in the first end, and although a lull in the second saw Du took an 11-4 lead at the mid game interval Chen held on despite a recovery from Chou. Chou returned more composed in the third end leading from the start, only showing a few nerves near the end as he closing out the match.

Qualifier Yuekun Chen fought off a spirited opposition from Hans-Kristian Vittinghus of Denmark, in a match where the change of ends greatly influenced the player’s fortunes. Yueken dominated the first game, but could offer far less resistance in the second as the two traded 21-16 12-21 scores.

However, Yueken came out on top in the third, raising his game from 11-9 up at the mid game interval to race to the finish, the score ending 21-11.

The set was completed for China, as Chen Jin (pictured left), held his own against a strong revival from Liew Daren in what was a crowd-pleasing display of acrobatics from the Malaysian.

Liew was slow getting into the game of which Chen took full advantage, powering his way through to take the end 21-15. The change of ends saw a much improved Liew, who with full length dives recovered Chen’s smashes more effectively, resulting in a much more level game. A disputed line call at 19-all gave the Malaysian the impetus to take the game 21-19.

Hopes of victory for the Malaysian faded however as Chen regrouped from this disappointment, to once again power away from  his opponent. Liewdid not really feature in the decider, the score finishing 21-11.

The full results for the day can be found here.

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