The Belgian badiste is the reigning vice-champion in these European Games.
Lianne Tan (BWF 51) won 2 sets to 0 (21-10, 21-8) in 30 minutes against Belarusian Alesia Zaitsava (BWF 186) in her second Group D match in the women’s singles tournament of badminton of the European Games, Tuesday in Minsk, the capital of Belarus.
Tan was never really worried about the local player. Respecting the logic of the world rankings, the Belgian was superior in all areas of the game, both on cushioning and on smashes. Patiently building her points, the ten-time Belgian champion left Zaitsava no chance.
On Monday, the 28-year-old badiste was beaten 2-0 by Russian Evgeniya Kosetskaya (BWF 37) for her entry into the running. On Wednesday, Tan will challenge Cypriot Eleni Christodoulou (BWF 679), who lost to Belarus on Monday. A victory would therefore allow him to qualify for the round of 16, the first two in each pool validating their ticket for the final draw.
Lianne Tan won the silver medal at the first edition of the European Games four years ago in Baku, Azerbaijan.
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