Sho Sasaki moves forward to Men’s Singles pre quarter-finals – Japan Open Update
Men’s Singles shuttler Sho Sasaki secured a berth in the pre quarter-finals of the Yonex Japan Open after stamping Gurusaidutt R. M. V. in the opening round on September 19, 2012.
This 42-minute battle was held in Yoyogi National Stadium of Tokyo as both contenders entertained the local badminton lovers with a fine display of their craft on court.
Though, this match ended in just two games but still the native shuttler had to put an extra effort to read final figures of 21-18 and 21-15.
Sho Sasaki, who is fourth seeded player in this tournament, will now lock horns either with Boonsak Ponsana or the Indonesian campaigner Sony Dwi Kuncoro in the second round.
He has alarmed all the contestants with a splendid start of the home event as he sent the young Indian shuttler packing with a straight-set win.
The opening game set the overall mood of contest as the Japanese player established his grip and then maintained the upper hand all the way to final moments.
Sho Sasaki put his challenger under pressure by registering a mountainous total of 7 in no time and then doubled the impact with 11-5 margin at half time.
After the one-minute break, Gurusaidutt made every effort to come out of his competitor’s influence but lack of experience to handle such situations proved the biggest hurdle.
On the other hand, Sho Sasaki continued with his top form and strengthened his grip in the third quarter of the set. He did not lose focus at any stage of the game and pocketed first match point with 21-18 score.
The second set was also played in similar manner as both contenders snapped at each other’s heels in the beginning and remained close on points table but then the local shuttler proved himself superior in crucial moments.
In first half of the set, the Indian campaigner looked in prime touch as he gained an early advantage and kept his rival at the lower end until the interval.
Conversely, he surrendered tamely in the second half as the opposing shuttler did not find any trouble en-route to victory. Sho Sasaki raised hands as the victor after putting a concluding margin of 21-15.
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