Birmingham: The women’s singles World No. 1 Tai Tzu Ying has joined reigning World Champion – Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, and reigning Olympic champion – Chen Yufei of China in the second round of 2022 All England after easing past their respective opponents Wednesday, while World No. 1 women’s doubles pair – Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan were stunned in the first round.
Tai Tzu Ying needed only 30 minutes to beat Lianne Tan of Germany 21-12, 21-14. The No. 1 seed will meet Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand next.
The 24-year-old Chen didn’t break a sweat in the first round as she was given a walkover by her teammate Zhang Yi Man. Chen defeated Zhang in last week’s German Open semi-finals after Zhang sustained a back injury in the decider.
Akane Yamaguchi also had an easy opener as she eliminated Kristin Kuuba of Estonia 21-13, 21-13. Yamaguchi will meet Saina Nehwal of India on Thursday.
In women’s doubles, the World No. 1 Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan who just won the German Open last Sunday, were shocked by World No. 64 Jeong Na Eun/Kim Hye Jeong of Korea, losing 15-21, 16-21.
Chen/Jia looked tired, especially Jia was seen coughing during the match. Instead of playing their regular offensive game, the Chinese pair kept lifting the shuttlecock high to give Jeong/Kim a lot of opportunities to attack. Furthermore, Chen/Jia were not as active as usual on the court.
“This is our first All England, and when we received the draw results, we said to ourselves how unlucky we are,” said Kim Hye Jeong after the match.
“Our next round opponents are also a very strong pair, we will do our best in the second round,” said Jeong Na Eun.
Jeong/Kim will take on Supissara Paewsampran/Puttita Supajirakul of Thailand in the second round.
