Status prevailed at the semi-final stage of the Women’s Singles event on Tuesday 19th August at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games .
Doo Hoi Kem, the no.1 seed, accounted for Lily Zhang of the United Stated (11-1,5-11,11-8,11-9,11-6), before Liu Gaoyang followed suit.
The no.2 seed, she recovered from an opening game reverse to overcome Japan’s Miyu Kato (10-12, 11-5, 11-4, 11-3, 11-6) in a supercharged atmosphere; over 4,000 spectators willing their heroine to victory.
Top Secret
It was Doo Hoi Kem who set the tone.
“She played very well today”, smiled Zhang Rui, the Hong Kong coach, sitting quietly courtside. “After she lost the second game I told her to make some changes to her service but that’s
top secret; today she was confident and, like this morning against Adina Diaconu, she was composed and patient.”
Lightning Start
Confident most certainly and it was a lightning start for Doo Hoi Kem; the first game was quite breath-taking.
“I think I played well, I was able to adapt quickly for this match; in the first game, I was able to get into a situation fast and recorded a 10-0 lead”, said Doo Hoi Kem. “With the large crowd in the venue shouting and cheering for me, I really felt excited and happy!”
The cries of “Jia You” rang around the Wutaishan Gymnasium; play stronger, play harder. Doo Hoi Kem responded.
Unbelievable
“It’s unbelievable that I have now made it to the finals and guaranteed a medal for Hong Kong”, Doo Hoi Kem added. “For the gold medal match tomorrow, I will try my best to win the title!”
Success for Doo Hoi Kem was followed with success for Liu Gaoyang, who after losing the opening game, adapted to the situation.
First Meeting
“It’s the first time I’ve played her, in the opening game I had problems returning her services”, said Liu Gaoyang. “After the first game I was able to control the play and certainly it helped that the crowd was cheering for me.”
大家為杜凱琹加油！！！
