Jakarta: Chinese women’s singles shuttler Wang Yihan pulled off the biggest upset on Saturday when she stunned World No. 1 Carolina Marin of Spain 16-21, 21-11, 21-17 in 78 minutes to advance to the final of 2016 BCA Indonesia Open Super Series Premier.
Both players gave their best performance of the tournament in the women’s singles semi-finals but Wang appeared struggling in the first set as she was trailing the whole set to go down 16-21.
As Wang has been competing against two of her teammates for the only 2 spots allocated to China in the women’s singles event in Olympics, the stakes were high for Wang in this match. A win in this match could increase her odds to be selected for Rio.
Although Marin tried to close the gap from 3-7 to 6-7 early in the second set, Wang showed no mercy in the second set to rally for a deep run and won the game 21-11.
In the decider, Wang and Marin were neck and neck from the off. The score was tied at 13-13, then Marin found herself vulnerable as she started to commit uncharacteristic errors. Wang scored the match point to prevail with 21-17 after Marin dropped the shuttler to the net.
“Marin is an extremely tough opponent, and has caused me a lot of trouble during the match. The significant wind drift from different sides of the court also affected my performance,” said Wang after the match.
Saturday’s victory gave Wang a 4-3 career head to head advantage against Marin.
Despite her loss, Marin who received overwhelming support from the crowd remained upbeat after the match.
“I’m disappointed, despite I tried to play my best in the second and third game. It’s not easy, because Wang played better. However, I am satisfied with my performance at Indonesia Open as I am preparing for Olympics,” said Marin.
Wang will play Chinese Taipei player Tai Tzu Ying who defeated No. 6 seed Wang Shixian 21-9, 21-15 on Sunday.
In women’s doubles, Vivian Hoo Kah Mun/ Woon Khe Wei of Malaysia were shown the door by third seed Tang Yuanting/Yu Yang of China, in a straight set of 21-15 and 21-9. Tang/Yu will clash with No. 1 seeds Misaki Matsutomo/Ayaka Takahashi of Japan in the final. The Japanese pair eased past Eefje Muskens/Selena Piek of Netherlands 21-10, 21-18 in 36 minutes.