Maldives International Challenge: Itani Kazuya powers his way to Men’s Singles quarter-finals
Japan’s Itani Kazuya paved his path to quarter-final round of Maldives International Badminton Challenge after beating Fan Yang of China in third round on May 31, 2012.
The victorious shuttler played attacking badminton in three exhausting sets and secured the honour by registering final margin of 21-12, 17-21 and 21-14.
Meanwhile, Chinese campaigner got into commanding position in middle of the contest but lacked good finishing skills which ultimately cost him a crucial match.
This 55-minute pre quarter-final tussle started with a fine exhibition of skills from Japanese shuttler who did not give his opponent even a single chance to get settled.
Itani Kazuya employed an unbeatable strategy in first half and dominated until very last shot. His challenger could not handle this flurry of masterly crafted strokes and remained at lower end all the time.
Though, Fan Yang showed some panache in later part of the game but it was not enough to cover the gap on points table.
He made decent effort by reaching at 12 but nine-point difference proved too much for him and he surrendered after reading 21-12 total.
However, this first set loss did not harm him much as he stormed back in next game and levelled match score.
This time the Chinese lad played positive badminton and cornered his competitor in both segments of second set.
Initially, he took some time to read his opponent’s game but never looked back after launching an effective counter-attack strategy. He bagged opening part by registering notable figure of 11.
After one-minute break, he accelerated the pace and got into authoritative position with some continuous rallies. Fan Yang wrapped the show with a decisive margin of 21-17.
The decider turned consequential as both contenders were just one step away from finishing line. They remained toe-to-toe in the beginning but later part of the set completely belonged to the Japanese campaigner as he struck hard to stamp his rival.
Itani Kazuya set the foundation of his success by raising his lead to seven points and then concluded the show with a significant figure of 21-14.
Now he will lock horns with Indian shuttler Anup Sridhar to earn a spot in the semi-finals of the event.
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