SINGAPORE – It was a contented homecoming for Singapore’s prime paddler Feng Tianwei as she returned to profitable methods in entrance of a spirited crowd on the OCBC Enviornment because the World Desk Tennis (WTT) Cup Finals opened on Saturday (Dec 4).
Over 800 followers cheered and clapped each time she gained a degree as she beat South Korean Jeon Ji-hee 3-1 (11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 11-5) to achieve the quarter-finals.
Feng, 35, mentioned: “I am very comfortable to be taking part in right here once more. The applause and cheering gave me loads of power.
“With each level I gained, they clapped very loudly so profitable this one match is like profitable the entire event. I hope that subsequent matches, the native followers will proceed supporting me.”
The world No. 11 will want that help much more as her subsequent opponent is top-ranked Chinese language and reigning Olympic champion Chen Meng, 27.
The Singaporean has gained solely two of their 10 earlier conferences. Their most up-to-date conflict was on the promotional WTT Macau showcase in November final yr the place Feng misplaced 3-1.
She acknowledged being the underdog however mentioned she relished the problem. Feng added: “I am at an obstacle and there is a larger chance of me shedding so I simply wish to play each level nicely.
“I haven’t got a selected goal at this competitors, I simply wish to play my finest each match however I am actually comfortable to win as we speak.”
The inaugural US$600,000 (S$820,000) event noticed its first upset on Saturday as world No. 17 Wang Chuqin of China swept previous Chinese language Taipei’s sixth-ranked Lin Yunju 3-0 (11-5, 11-8, 11-7).
Wang, 21, has been in good kind although. He gained the combined doubles title on the World Desk Tennis Championships with Solar Yingsha final week.
Wang mentioned: “Lin’s a powerful participant (he clinched a combined doubles bronze on the Tokyo Olympics). We have performed one another many instances and we each have an equal likelihood of profitable.
“I’ve accomplished loads of preparation for a reasonably contact match. This event is straight after the world championships (in Houston) and due to the 14 hour time distinction, it has affected each of us however maybe it has affected him extra.”
The opposite quarter-final in Feng’s prime half of the draw sees Chinese language world No. 6 Wang Yidi tackle Japan’s Hitomi Sato (No. 22). Each gained their opening matches comfortably.
Wang, 24, beat Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz 3-1 (13-11, 11-3, 5-11, 11-9) however sounded removed from celebratory after her match. She mentioned: “It is unhappy that I am unable to get to eat Singapore meals. Due to Covid-19, even once we journey to totally different international locations, we will not exit so I do miss making an attempt native meals of the locations I go to.”
Briton Liam Pitchford was much less morose in regards to the secure administration restrictions. His 3-2 (12-10, 8-11, 15-13, 11-8, 11-6) victory over South Korean Jang Woo-jin was in spite of everything, one other wonderful addition to his fond recollections in Singapore.
The world No. 14 was final right here in 2016 for a coaching camp earlier than he helped Nice Britain declare a bronze at that yr’s World Staff Championships in Malaysia.
Pitchford mentioned: “It is a bit disappointing we’re not allowed out however my cousin lives right here now so I will keep a bit of bit and see him after.
“I do not know what I will do right here but however I am actually wanting ahead to it.”