Shoji Sato, Shizuka Matsuo claim semi-finals spot in Mixed Doubles event - Singapore Open Update
Japan’s spirited Mixed Doubles team Shoji Sato-Shizuka Matsuo ruled the court in quarter-finals of Li Ning Singapore Open and outshined Fran Kurniawan-Shendy Puspa Irawati on June 22, 2012.
The victorious duo took 47 minutes in court to claim victory with final result of 19-21, 21-14 and 21-19.
Now they are just one win away from title match and they are expected to face either Hendra Setiawan-Vita Marissa or Shintaro Ikeda-Reiko Shiota in second last round of this Super Series tournament.
Earlier, Shoji and Shizuka put great show of skills in round of eight and outclassed the Indonesian duo despite of losing first set of the match.
World Number 16 pair started their marathon with an immediate blow in opening game. They failed to deal with unusual tactics of opposing team.
First sign of trouble came when they got pale in three uninterrupted rallies which helped their challengers gain an initial advantage with 7-4 margin.
Though, they managed to place 11-10 total at one-minute break but couple of fatal mistakes in third quarter triggered the collapse.
The twosome of Fran Kurniawan and Shendy Puspa made best out of this opportunity and bagged first set with decisive figure of 21-19.
However, it was last time that they were seen at top end as the Japanese couple did not allow them to rise in remaining segments of the show.
Shoji-Shizuka launched a brisk attack in second set of match and established an unassailable lead with 5-1 total. They maintained this pace until one-minute break and placed formidable figure of 11-5.
They lost focus for short period of time after the interval and allowed their competitors to narrow the gap at 11-9.
At this stage, they managed to regain control by gathering three back-to-back points which took them to score position of 16. They magnified the impact by registering winning margin of 21-14.
Lot of fireworks was expected in the decider as both contenders were looking to secure honour of playing in the semi-final round.
They remained close until last moment but the Japanese campaigners raised hands as Champions after putting up the concluding figure of 21-19.
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