Hiroyuki Endo, Kenichi Hayakawa clinch a spot in quarter-finals of 2012 Li Ning China Open
Japan’s prime duo Hiroyuki Endo-Kenichi Hayakawa stretched its winning streak in the Li Ning China Open and secured a quarter-final berth on Thursday, November 15, 2012.
They dominated Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong in a hard fought encounter which prolonged to 62 minutes.
This Men’s Doubles tussle was staged at the local badminton arena of Shanghai and ended with decisive figures of 18-21, 21-19 and 21-17.
World Number eight Japanese pair displayed commendable fighting spirit and locked the honour despite losing the opening game.
On the other hand, Thien How and Wee Kiong frittered away a golden opportunity of straight-set win and crashed out of this Super Series event.
The Malaysian players took off in perfect manner and bagged the first match point with distinction.
They kick-started their campaign with three consecutive points and relished this early advantage to place a significant figure of 11 at half time.
After the one-minute break, Hiroyuki Endo and Kenichi Hayakawa geared up themselves and narrowed the gap by prevailing in couple of uninterrupted rallies.
They stayed close until 15-17 but finally they had to surrender when their competitors registered an overwhelming score of 21-18.
However, they did not lose their nerve and managed to make amends in very next game. This time they employed unusual tactics and confounded the Malaysian shuttlers.
Initially, they kept a low profile and allowed the opposing team to remain close on the points table but then a flurry of productive strokes took them to a dominating position of 11-7.
The second half of the set was filled with great sensation as both contenders made every effort to achieve their respective goals.
At one stage, Thien How and Wee Kiong were in strong position to seal a straight-set victory but Hiroyuki Endo-Kenichi Hayakawa put their expedition to halt with a staggering knock of 21-19.
Third set became consequential as both teams were just one step away from round of eight. They snapped at each other’s heels all the way to game point situation and this cliff-hanging set ended when Hiroyuki Endo-Kenichi Hayakawa placed an impressive score
of 21-17.
Now the Japanese players will test their skills against Shin Baek Choel-Yoo Yeon Seong of Korea.
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