2012 National Circuit GP Finals: Lydia Cheah outshines Yang Li Lian in semi-final round
Women’s Singles expert Lydia Cheah Li Ya of Malaysia continued her unbeatable run in the semi-finals of Maybank National Circuit Grand Prix Finals and defeated Yang Li Lian on December 29, 2012.
This short-lived tussle was staged at the local badminton arena of Alor Setar and it reached to climax with decisive figures of 21-17 and 21-13.
The young Malaysian shuttler Lydia Cheah displayed great maturity in her craft and sealed a splendid straight-set victory.
On the other hand, Yang Li looked completely off colour throughout this crucial match as she failed to win even a single set and crashed out.
In first set of match, both compatriot shuttlers challenged each other in all departments and remained close on points table in the establishing rallies.
However, Lydia Cheah did not take much time to establish a significant lead. She started the beating and bagged six consecutive points.
This intensive campaign took her to commanding position of 7-2 and she capitalised this lead to finish first half of the set with a respectable score position.
At the half time, she was well ahead of her competitor on points table and then latter part of the game saw her widening the gap.
She kept on moving forward at steady pace and doubled her lead in third quarter of the set. She mounted pressure by piling up a mountainous figure of 18 and then served notice of her supremacy with 21-17 score.
This first set loss proved severe blow for Yang Li as she could rise on her toes in very next game. She made every effort to gain an early advantage but her challenger showed superior badminton skills on court.
Lydia Cheah kick-started her campaign with three points in a row and then strengthened her grip by placing a decent total of 11-7 before the interval.
She carried this flow even after the one-minute break and the opposing shuttler kept trailing behind her all the way to game point situation.
Lydia Cheah maintained a notable difference of eight points and registered a winning margin of 21-13.
This splendid win ensured her presence in the title match where she will lock horns with Tee Jing Yi.
Tags: