Now showing the XD between the young stars of INA and CHN. But CHN quickly got into a fine start by convincingly taking G1 21-12. Morton Frost commented that the CHN pair has departed from the traditional front-back strategy for XD and instead preferred playing side-by-side with great effect. That was because the female partner is equal to the task as with the "strong-looking" Yu Xiaohan. And CHN is now leading 13-9 in G2. INA needs to up the pace to make any comeback.
Liu Xin's return of smashes lacks variation, always a soft block straight over the net , allowing the opponent to rush the net taking it early with options. Her clears against a tall opponent is not high enough,net play not delicate, and she's not taking much initiative, only doing so in the closing stage of G2 but too little too late. Overall , her game is rather stiff today,not fluid, I've seen her play much better than that. Nevertheless a fine victory by Sung Ji Hyun who cleverly capitalized on her opponent's stubborn lack of flexibility in shot variation and pace.
It was a "tall" order for LX against SYH. Indeed SYH capitalised on her height to dominate the match. Time and again LX was pushed to the baseline only to be met by a winning sharp cross-court drop from SYH. LX could do no more although she attacked with venom to secure a number of deserving points towards the end. I suppose SYH just wait for her to make a mistake to wrap up the entire straight games match. But it must be noted that SYH was in great form and it must be most disconcerting for her rivals whom she eliminated with relative ease during her earlier matches. It must be one of the best outings for SYH who could not hold her joy when she knelt down in prayer immediately after her win. It is good to see her smile so many times at the podium.
Wang Xioali/Yu Yang's first GPG after I don't know how many years, with Yu Yang just back after recovering from her sickness (iirc, she underwent an operation).
Wow the INA pair of Maheswari and Polii is giving the Chinese duo a headache! Is that why Yu Yang is wearing a headband in anticipation of the onslaught? Indeed G1 went to the brilliant INA pair 21-18.
Your girls are on fire. They are focused on the attack as well as on defense, both hard and soft touches including intelligent positioning. But we have to wait whether the Chinese will make a determined comeback.
Eng Hian influence are evident on them, their confidences seem good too... They know they can beat Wang/Yu
