Sha Tin teenager wins fans' hearts after battling through despite heavy fall
Hong Kong teenager Yip Pui-yin produced a great fightback to upset Japanese 11th seed Kanako Yonekura at the world championships yesterday, saving two match points before advancing to the last 16.
The 18-year-old from Sha Tin clawed her way back from a game and 10-12 down to pull off a sensational 8-11, 13-12, 11-9 victory at the Arrowhead Pond that was comfortably the biggest win of her career.
'I think she felt the pressure more than me,' Yip said after her one-hour 32-minute battle. 'I didn't have anything to lose but I never imagined I could beat a seeded player.'
Yip, the world number 76, started playing senior events on a regular basis only this season after competing in junior events for much of 2004. Yet against Konekura she displayed a maturity that belied her tender years.
She also won the hearts of a large contingent of Chinese fans with her never-say-die approach, relentlessly chasing lost causes with little regard for her own safety.
Yip needed prolonged treatment to her hip after a heavy fall in the decisive third game just after taking a 9-8 lead. She got to her feet to loud applause before closing out the match.