Austrian International Challenge: Ville Lang overpowers Vladimir Malkov in Men’s Singles first round
Finland’s Ville Lang struggled hard in winning his opening clash as he narrowly overpowered Russia’s Vladimir Malkov in Men’s Singles first round of the Austrian International Challenge 2012, in Austria, on Thursday, February 23.
The World Number 42 Lang, who is the fourth seed in Men’s Singles draw of the championship, had to dig deep into his reserves to chuck out his spirited Russian opponent who put up a fabulous show of attacking badminton.
However, Lang managed to win the match in straight games with a narrow margin by taking 36 minutes in the court.
Lang was in complete control in the opening game of the match as he remained ahead of his Russian rival. He played with precision and did not miss any chance of earning points.
On the other hand, Malkov tried his best to match the pace of rallies but failed to control his shots. He remained trailing far behind his higher ranked opponent at 5-11 until the break.
After the break, Malkov lifted up his level by accelerating his speed in all areas of the court. He managed to dominate the pace of rallies at net and remained successful in catching up his challenger at 14-14.
At this stage, the score remained close until the concluding phase when Lang changed his game plan and started to push his rival in both corners of rear-court area by taking the bird from the tape of net.
This strategy worked well in the favour of Lang and he managed to bag the opening game with a tight 23-21 score on the board.
In the second game, Lang started his campaign in an impressive manner and took a wonderful lead in no time. Until the end of opening half, the Finnish was leading with a margin of 11-7.
After the break, Malkov played elevated badminton as he did not commit any mistake and managed to level the score by reaching at 14-14.
However, Lang accelerated his speed and took a reasonable lead again. He did not lose his focus this time and ended the set with a close margin of 21-19.
Lang won this Men’s Singles first-round encounter in 36 minutes with a tight score of 23-21 and 21-19.
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