Smashing Wang sends Xie packing
High-flying Wang Chen advanced into the semi-finals of the women's singles badminton competition yesterday after scoring two impressive wins yesterday, including her first-ever victory over reigning world champion and world number one Xie Xingfang.
Wang's 2-0 win over the Guangdong player at the Kunshan Sports Centre, about 300km from Nanjing, set up a quarter-final against Chen Li of Fujian and the Hong Kong number one continued her momentum with a 2-1 win over the opponent late last night.
'It was a big upset,' said Hong Kong team coach Chan Chi-choi, referring to Wang's victory over the world number one. 'Xie has been playing very well this year and has seldom lost. It's not easy to score a victory against her and Wang has no doubt played one of her best games as this was first win over Xie in six encounters.'
Wang will now meet Jiang Yanjiao of the Liberation Army in today's semi-final and the Hong Kong team coach was confident that his charge could go further to reach the final.
'They just met in the Malaysia Open in July and Wang beat Jiang in straight sets. With Wang gaining a lot of confidence throughout the event, she now stands a very good chance to contend for the gold medal,' said Chan.
Against the world's top player, Wang, fresh from winning the Indonesia Open, showed great determination to get the job done.
'The first set was crucial. Wang was leading 6-5 in the opening stages, but Xie stormed back to regain the lead. When it was forced into deuce, Wang was able to hang in there. After losing the first set, Xie was totally demoralised,' said the coach. Wang, ranked third in the world, wrapped up the match 13-10, 11-3 before beating Chen to reach the semis.
