FRENCH OPEN 2011 QF – Japanese men back in the hunt

Japan’s Hashimoto and Hirata, blocked the path to the semi-final of rising English stars Chris Adcock and Andrew Ellis in a delightful three-game battle, avenging their defeat of last month. Meanwhile, Kenichi Tago, all fired up, is now through the last four after sending out Hu Yun, slowly getting back his 2010 form.

By Tarek Hafi, live in Paris.  Photos: Badmintonphoto (live)

An Asian atmosphere took place in the Pierre de Coubertin hall for quarter-finals day at the 2011 French Open Super Series.  Drums and sticks were widely in use in the arena and, together with a talkative speaker encouraging the crowd to add some decibels in the stadium, brought out an exciting ambiance during today’s matches.

Improving tournament after tournament, the English pair Chris Adcock and Andrew Ellis, despite showing their inner potential, were not enabled a pathway through to the semi-final.  They were stopped by a disciplined Japanese pair composed of Hirokatsu Hashimoto and Noriyasu Hirata, who came out on top 16-21, 21-19, 21-10. The end of the second game, was completely in favour of the English pair, who led all the way, thanks to many unforced errors by the Japanese.

A sudden change of mindset surprised the whole crowd, when Hashimoto suddenly voiced his eagerness to win louder, patiently playing the last rallies, with drives, waiting for the mistakes. The clever tactic worked to perfection, and the two Japanese friends ran straight to the final point, and handling the last game with ease, conquering the net area in the very last point, they finally stepped back into a Super Series semi-final for the first time since their Indian Open win.

Kenichi Tago showed his potential again, displaying a new side, a new motivation. The one who reached international stardom by joining Lee Chong Wei in the 2010 All England final, showed his deep desire to gain back his form and prove to the world he can still play on the higher stage. Facing Hu Yun, who was on a roll after ousting Peter Gade, the Japanese youngster, who admitted later that his main hobby is to watch badminton matches on YouTube, showed clearly that he knew how to keep his own matches going as long as it takes as he wasn’t ready to give up any point.

The match attracted the whole crowd as both players showed their repertoire of shots.

The usually calm and patient Kenichi Tago could be heard shouting out loud around the whole stadium, knowing this was a golden opportunity given after he had seen Peter Gade removed from his path. A tense Kenichi Tago found it hard to conclude rallies at the end of the match, as he smashed way out of the court, yet his never give up attitude allowed him three match points.  He did not let those pass him by and finished off and match 13-21, 21-18, 21-17 after a tremendous one hour and seventeen minutes.

All results HERE

Live Streaming HERE

Photos of the Day HERE
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