RIVALDY/MENTARI surprised, Japan dominates the singles!
At the opening of this final day, the Chinese pair CHENG/ZHANG (n°108) surprised the big favorites of the tournament, the Indonesians RIVALDY/MENTARI (n°18)! Despite losing the first set, CHENG Zhing and ZHANG Chi were able to rely on the striking power of the first named to get back into the match. With continued pressure in the rally, the Chinese return to one set everywhere. In the deciding set, CHENG/ZHANG, partners on the international circuit since the start of the year, took advantage of the newfound confidence to take control of the match. A lead of several points, quickly acquired, allowed them to win 16/21 21/18 21/15 in 1h08 of play. The Chinese duo thus ended their week in Orléans with a title.
Coming from the Qualifications, the Japanese Hina AKECHI (n°120) lost in the final against compatriot Tomoka MIYAZAKI (n°36) after seven matches played throughout the week. Opposite, the number 3 seed will have played only three matches in its entirety, winning its first round then the semi-final after its opponents abandoned. A physical freshness which will certainly have made the difference when approaching this final. Despite a tight score in the first round, the match was perfectly managed by Tomoka MIYAZAKI who won 21/18 21/12 in 48 minutes.
In the men’s singles, two Japanese once again took possession of Court 1 of the Palais des sports in Orléans! Faller of Alex LANIER (n°45) in the quarter-final on Friday, then of the Chinese LEI Lan Xi (n°34) yesterday, Yushi TANAKA (n°60) was opposed this time to his training partner Koo TAKAHASHI (n °70), author of a very high level week as well. In this 100% Japanese final, the top ranked took advantage of his impact from the baseline and his ability to string together long rallies to suffocate his opponent. Neck to neck in the first set, TANAKA then accelerated in the second act to win 21/18 21/10.
Executioners of two European pairs yesterday in the semi-final, PUSPITASARI/ROSE (n°33, Indonesia) and HIROKAMI/KATO (n°31, Japan) found themselves in the final of the Orléans Masters. After a one-sided first set won by the Indonesian players, winners of the STOEVA sisters yesterday, the debate was later balanced. By forcing their Japanese opponents to always play one more move, PUSPITASARI/ROSE took back control of the match at the start of money time. They end up winning 21/12 21/18 in 56 minutes. Winners of the French LAMBERT/TRAN (n°20) yesterday, the Japanese HIROKAMI/KATO are therefore content with the place of finalists.
Last final of the day, the men’s doubles will have kept the spectators in suspense at the Palais des sports d’Orléans! The Malaysians CHOONG/HAIKAL (n°40) started the match timidly against GUTAMA/ISFAHANI (n°49, Indonesia) but regained rhythm as the points progressed to seriously win the first round. In a tight second set where the domination of the frontcourt made the difference, the Indonesians managed to return to equality. The Malaysian pair took the advantage from the start of the deciding set, putting their opponents’ backs against the wall. Technically fairer at the end of the match, the Malaysians triumphed 21/15 18/21 21/14.
2024-03-17 16:46:21
#Orléans #Masters #CHENGZHANG #surprise
