MALAYSIA OPEN 2011 QF – A thrill for Wangs

Stepping into the 2011 Proton Malaysia Open Day 4, China’s current world number 2, Wang Xin and especially world number 3 Wang Shixian each had a scare before the fans of Bukit Jalil Stadium as they struggled more than expected in their matches Friday.

By Lee Suet Yan, Badzine Correspondent live in Kuala Lumpur. Photos: Yves Lacroix for Badmintonphoto (live)

Wang Xin (pictured) started her first game well as she took a 10-6 lead. But Juliane Schenk was trying everything out to draw level at 10 and then managed a lead at 13-11 before Wang pulled level at 13 all. She continued to march on and finished it quickly to take the first game 21-17. In the second game, the scores were tight, from 8-8 to 10-10 and continuing in this vein, as both players showed tremendous fighting spirit. The game deuced at 20-all but Wang never gave a chance to Schenk after this and she celebrated her victory 22-20.

“I made quite a lot of mistakes today.  That’s why I was struggling in the match. Schenk was playing well today but fortunately, I was able to grasp the crucial point well. Tomorrow against my team-mate, I will just try my best and play with my regular mindset as the matches among my team-mates are always close ones,” said Wang.

The Asian Games winner Wang Shixian (pictured below) also struggled during her quarter-final. She had to play three games before she was able to overcome the true fighter Cheng Shao Chieh of Taiwan. The first game was actually pretty close at the interval, but Wang was slightly better as she headed off 11-10. But, Cheng would not give up easily on her semi final chances. She dived all around the court to save the shuttle. This paid dividends as Cheng won the first game 21-19.

Wang looked more dangerous in the second game even if Cheng was ahead 17-15. But at that stage, Wang started climbing her way back as she increased her speed to score five points in a row and eventually getting herself a game point at 20-17 before winning the second game at 21-17. Cheng looked tired in the third game. In one of the points, Cheng tried to save the shuttle, but she failed and fell. Her racket then flew to the middle of the court and Wang picked up the racket for her. Stamina made all the difference in the third game. Wang answered strongly and won it 21-9 without much difficulty.

The semi-final set up will be an all-Chinese affair with Wang Shixian taking on Jiang Yanjiao while Wang Xin takes on Wang Yihan.

All results HERE