JAPAN OPEN 2010 – Tine hopes for good memories again

Tine Baun will once again be the sole European flag bearer in the women’s singles event after Pi Hongyan was ousted easily by Jiang Yanjiao. Four Chinese, plus Sung, Uchida and Hirose complete the quarter-final line up while Peter Gade also stands alone on the men’s side for the old continent.

By Raphaël Sachetat. Photos: Badmintonphoto (live)

Tokyo, September 23rd 2010 – It’s been three years already since it all began, for Tine Baun – then Rasmussen. In the Yonex Japan Open 2007, the Dane had beaten back to back all the top Chinese women’s singles to become the first Dane to win the event after Camilla Martin. And ever since, she has worn Camilla’s mantle as the Public Enemy #1 for China. History may repeat itself this week as the Dane will no doubt be the strongest contestant for Chinese ladies, even if  only two of the players she beat in 2007 are still in the game.

It wasn’t an easy day, however, for the smiley Dane, as she had to dig deep – as always – against a player she does not care to play too much against.

“She’s always a tough fighter and runs for every point,” Baun mentioned about Hong Kong’s Yip Pui Yin, who is now being coached by Wang Chen. Yip did not only run as expected, but did all she could to trouble her opponent, even by annoying her by her attitude on court – something Baun complained about to the umpire after the match was over.

“She was just wasting time on purpose, then she pretended to have won a point that never existed. She did aggravate me all though out the match asking for shuttle changes and service too high,” mentioned the tall blond.  Nevertheless, Baun was able to overcome her nerves and managed to finish ahead of the tiny but jumping Yip, 21-16, 14-21, 21-16.

“It’s always nice to play here in Tokyo. It brings back memories to me. And this year, it comes as a bonus after my final in China last week. I certainly didn’t expect to reach this stage with my current form, and now a quarter-final! It’s more than what I could have hoped for,” she said.  “Now, I’m here in the quarters and I’m hungry for more. Especially against the Korean player who beat me last time. I want my revenge,” hinted the Dane with a big smile.

Baun is set to meet Korea’s Sung Ji Hyun, who edged Sayaka Sato quite easily. China remains very strong in the draw with 4 shuttlers. Jiang Yanjiao was the most impressive one, in her win over Pi Hongyan (photo), which looked more like a ‘one-woman show’ from Jiang.  The French veteran was clearly not having a good day and couldn’t move fast enough nor read Jiang’s strokes.  Pi was sent packing – or rather shopping in the Shibuya district – after Jiang came out on top 21-6, 21-11. In no time, it was all over.

The category also lost its top seed in the name of Wang Yihan, who got beaten by Lu Lan 21-15, 21-9. The other surprise guest is Japan’s Shizuka Uchida, who was promoted from the qualifying list and made it to the quarters by beating Taipei’s rising star Tai Tzu Ying.

Gade vs. Asia, Chong Wei easy

Peter Gade will be the men’s singles counterpart to Tine, being Europe’s last chance for a title in that discipline. The Dane had a uneven win over youngster Ueda of Japan, beating him 21-3, 17-21, 21-12. But all eyes in the packed stadium – it was a bank holiday in Tokyo – were on to the main TV court for the rematch of the Yonex All England final. The outcome was the same – Chong Wei emerging as the winner – but the manner in which he won was very different from back in March.  This time was much quicker indeed as Tago got beaten 10-21, 10-21.

“In the All England, I really wanted to win the title that I’d never won before, so I was nervous. That’s the reason why I lost 19 points in each game,” said Lee. “And I did underestimate Tago at the time. This time, I prepared well for this match.”

China’s Bao Chunlai and Lin Dan advanced to the next level as did Chen Long, who beat qualifier Hu Yun in straight games 21-13, 21-13.

The quarter-finals line up:
Lee Chong Wei (MAS) vs. Bao Chunlai (CHN)
Boonsak Ponsana (THA) vs. Chen Long (CHN)
Lin Dan (CHN) vs. Park Sung Hwan (KOR)
Peter Gade (DEN) beat Nguyen Tien Minh (VIE)

All Results HERE

If you are to visit Tokyo for the Japan Open, you should stay in our partner hotel, the Chisun Grand Akasaka, a classy and modern hotel just a few minutes away from the venue, the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.  Click HERE to find out more about our partner hotel.