China on course for clean sweep at HK Open
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E-mail Xinhua, November 21, 2013
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Wang returned a shot in the game. |
Wang Zhengming struggled to beat German Marc Zwiebler in three sets to reach men's singles quarterfinals at the 2013 Hong Kong Badminton Open on Thursday and kept Chinese team's hope alive for packing all five golds.
Wang was the only Chinese player to stay in top 16 after Wednesday's first round as defending champion Chen Long withdrew before the tournament started due to injury and teammates Du Pengyu, Chen Yuekun and Gao Huan were all eliminated in the opening round.
"Of course it gives me pressure. We came here with five players but only me left after the first round," said Wang. "And it's only the second round today so it will be a difficult task for me."
Wang, who lost in the first round here last year, used almost one hour to beat Zwiebler 21-15, 15-21 and 21-16 and will play against fifth-seeded Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia in Friday's quarterfinal.
"Before the tournament, my goal was to do better than that I did here last year," said Wang. "Since now I achieved the goal, I hope I can play better tomorrow. What's more, I'm the only Chinese player left now. I can feel the responsibility."
No.7 seed Chai Biao/Hong Wei became the only Chinese pair reaching the quarterfinals of men's doubles event after they beat an international pair of Indonesia's Alvent Yulianto Chandra and Ikeda Shintaro of Japan 21-18, 14-21 and 21-17. Defending champions and former world's No.1 pair Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng were stunned by Vladimir Ivanov/Ivan Sozonov of Russia while Liu Xiaolong/Qiu Zihan lost to South Korea's Lee Yong-Dae/Yoo Yeon-Seong in three sets.
Half of eight places in women's singles were taken by Chinese players. Li Xuerui came from behind to defeat Thailand's Busanan Ongbumrungpan while Wang Yihan and Wang Shixian also won through three sets. Han Li took an easy victory against Japanese Ohori Aya with 21-14, 21-9 and will meet Wang Yihan for a berth in semifinals on Friday.
All three Chinese pairs reached the quarterfinals in women's doubles. In mixed doubles, defending champions Zhang Nan/Zhao Yunlei qualified for last eight together with teammates Liu Cheng/Bao Yixin.
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