WORLDS 2010 – Eriko HERO-se

Japan’s Eriko Hirose displayed her fantastic defense against one of the best attacking games in the world when she confronted the world number one in a tremendous battle, eventually coming out as a fantastic winner in the third round of the 2010 Yonex BWF World Championships.

By Tarek Hafi (live in Paris).  Photo: Badmintonphoto (live)

After Wang Lin had fallen twice this year against the Japanese player, Hirose took her splendid court coverage on court and, battling hard for every shuttle, notched up a win against top-seeded Wang Yihan of China.

Eriko Hirose quickly ended up with the public on her side as they snubbed Lin Dan’s match against Bao Chunlai.

“It’s my first world championship in the last three years as I was injured, I was so happy to enter the tournament but also to play the world number one, I am extremely happy to have won the match,” revealed an excited Eriko, who just couldn’t stop smiling at everyone.

However Wang Yihan didn’t make it easy for the Japanese as she often used her height to assail her opponent with the lethal attacks that only she can do.  However, the third game was crucial as the Chinese was too down physically to match the Japanese.

“It’s my first time beating a world number one, I am just too happy,” added Eriko.   “I came in Paris to get a medal and I’ll do everything I can to get it.”

Still, Eriko Hirose won’t get too much time to rest as she has another tough task in the form of Wang Lin in the quarter-final, after the slightly younger Wang easily dismissed Yip Pui Yin of Hong Kong.

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