LIEBHERR 2017 World Championships
In the Round of 16 of The Women’s Singles Event at the LIEBHERR 2017 World Championships Romania’s Elizabeta SAMARA suffered straight games defeat against Kasumi ISHIKAWA of Japan. No. 6 seed beat SAMARA seeded at the position no. 21 in straight games 6-11 7-11 7-11 8-11.
“First time I played against her in 2014 and beat her easily last time two years ago she beat me but not as easy as today. Her game improved so much ” said SAMARA.
Day earlier Elizabeta overcame no. 9. Seed Hitomi SATO.
“I was stretched to full distance last evening; played seven games against the player with the defensive style…I was so tired and my shoulder was killing me. Then I have to play first match in the morning today and I just could not have enough of sleep.”
This is SAMARA’S first big Championships since knee surgery.
“It is good that I am back. I am almost fully fit.”
Top seed DING Ning overcame Netherlands LI Jie (11-9 11-6 11-6 11-9). Despite the great challenge of having World’s no. one on the other side of the net LI also faced difficulties with the service.
“I am have the same service for ten years and it never was a problem. Here I was warned three times. At 8:6 in the fourth game I lost the point because of the service and it was 8:8 in next minute. I could win that game. I do not say I will beat her but things might finish differently. I was also under pressure not being able to play my usual game on service ” said LI.
Japan’s Mu HIRANO overcame Maria XIAO of Spain (11-4 11-1 11-4 11-3) Germany’s Kristin SILBEREISEN suffered by the hands of FENG Tianwei (11-8 5-11 7-11 11-9 7-11 9-11).
“In the fifth game at 2:2 I had 7:3 advantage and lost that game 7:11. That was the turning point. I could not recover after that ” said SILBEREISEN.
Romania’s Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN lost against CHEN Meng of China (7-11 2-11 7-11 11-8 8-11).
Some history was made on table 1 when Miu HIRANO beat FENG Tianwei 4-1 to move into the semi final and guarantee a bronze medal. The last time Japan won a singles medal was back in 1969 when Toshiko KOWADA won gold in Munich Germany.
“I am so so happy to win. I did not know that it has been so long that Japan has won a medal I am a bit surprised. I am happy to have this record and that this will be in the history books. After my win I have more self confidence I don’t have any fear before a match. I always enter a match to win. I want to win the title here in Dusseldorf.”
