I Dig Sports
Team quits FA Cup match over racism toward GK
Haringey Borough's fourth-round FA Cup qualifying fixture against Yeovil was abandoned on Saturday after the home side walked off the pitch following racist abuse aimed at their goalkeeper by away supporters.
Haringey goalkeeper Valery Douglas Pajetat told BT Sport that he had been racially abused by fans, and that they had thrown objects and spat at him.
The club tweeted after the match to confirm it had been abandoned. The post read: "Sorry for the late update but wanted to make sure we gave correct information.
"Game has been abandoned following racial abuse. Horrendous afternoon. It must be said that 99.9% of @YTFC fans are also disgusted by what's happened as much as we are.
"One club, one community."
Sorry for the late update but wanted to make sure we gave correct information.
Game has been abandoned following racial abuse. Horrendous afternoon.
It must be said that 99.9% of @YTFC fans are also disgusted by what's happened as much as we are.
One club, one community.
— Haringey Borough FC (@HaringeyBoroFC) October 19, 2019
Yeovil also tweeted in the aftermath of the game, where they said both sets of players had returned to the pitch in a "show of solidarity."
A spokesperson for the FA later tweeted: "We are deeply concerned about the allegation of discrimination from an area of the crowd towards a player during the FA Cup fourth-round qualifying match between Haringey Borough and Yeovil Town, which resulted in the fixture being abandoned.
"There is no room for discrimination in our game and we are working with the match officials and the relevant authorities, as a matter of urgency, to fully establish the facts and take the appropriate steps."
The incident comes days after England players suffered racial abuse during their Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia.
Gareth Southgate's players initiated a three-step FIFA protocol in that fixture, but opted not to walk off the pitch.
McGregor denies second sexual assault allegation
A publicist for Conor McGregor has denied a second reported allegation of sexual assault against the UFC star.
The New York Times reported Saturday that a woman had accused McGregor of sexually assaulting her last week in a vehicle outside a Dublin pub.
McGregor has not spoken with police or been charged over this allegation, according to the newspaper.
"Conor McGregor is frequently the subject of rumors," McGregor's publicist said in a statement to the Times. "He emphatically denies any report accusing him of sexual assault."
Reached by ESPN, McGregor's team referred to the statement given to the Times and declined to comment further.
Garda, the Irish police service, said in a statement that investigations were ongoing.
In March, the Times reported that McGregor was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in December at a hotel in South Dublin. He was arrested and released after questioning in January. That case was given to Ireland's prosecutor's office earlier this year, according to the Times.
Irish media have reported on the sexual assault cases but have not named McGregor due to laws regarding the media in the country.
McGregor also is facing an ongoing case in Dublin over his punch of a man at a pub in April, an incident that was caught on video. He is expected to enter a plea or seek a date for the case to be heard at the next court appearance, on Nov. 1.
Information from Reuters was used in this report.
Devils' Hughes gets 1st goal with family watching
NEWARK, New Jersey -- Jack Hughes, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, scored his first NHL goal for the for the New Jersey Devils on Saturday in a game that had particularly special meaning for the rookie and his family.
With older brother and fellow NHL rookie Quinn Hughes on the Vancouver Canucks' bench and more than 70 close friends and family in the stands, including parents Jim and Ellen, Jack Hughes scored a power-play goal to give the Devils a 1-0 lead in the first period.
The goal was assisted by 2010 No. 1 pick Taylor Hall.
This was the first time in their young NHL careers and only the second time ever at any level that Quinn and Jack Hughes had gone head-to-head in a game.
Jack Hughes had gotten off to a difficult start to the season until notching his first NHL point on an assist in the Devils' first win of the season Thursday against the New York Rangers.
Hughes' early season point drought had been the longest for a No. 1 draft pick to start his career since Steven Stamkos went pointless through his first seven NHL games in 2008-09.
Quinn Hughes, who is 18 months older than Jack, was the seventh overall pick by Vancouver in 2018. He scored his first career goal 10 days prior in a Canucks win over the Los Angeles Kings.
Sooner Schooner tips over on field, ejects riders
NORMAN, Okla. -- In a scary moment, the Sooner Schooner tipped over while making a sharp turn on the field after an Oklahoma touchdown Saturday, sending two spirit squad members sprawling to the turf along with riders inside the covered wagon.
There were no major injuries, the university said, but a team spokesman said a team camera person -- who was taking video from inside the schooner that was airing on the team's video board -- was "being checked out" by medical staff.
The crash happened after the Sooners' fourth touchdown of the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers. During the break in the second quarter, the Sooner Schooner -- a covered wagon driven by two ponies named "Boomer" and "Sooner" -- tipped over near the 15-yard line.
"Overall, they're going to be okay."
Thankfully everyone walked away after the Sooner Schooner tipped over.pic.twitter.com/NJozavjhCD
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) October 19, 2019
The schooner was taking a sharp turn to head toward a stadium tunnel, but the wagon leaned hard to the right with the left-side wheels coming off the ground. The wagon crashed hard, with the two spirit squad members being ejected from the driver's bench and contents from inside the wagon spilling out onto the field.
"We believe it was the result of weight distribution among riders in the rear of the wagon," the university athletic department said in a statement. "Three individuals were evaluated at the stadium and released. All others reported that they were uninjured."
A university spokesman said he was unsure exactly how many people were inside the covered wagon at the time of the crash.
The wagon separated from the base as the ponies pulled away from the wreckage. The university said it appeared "Boomer" and "Sooner" were uninjured.
The sellout crowd gasped at the scene, but the rest of the spirit squad quickly came to assist and the field was cleared in a matter of minutes, including those who were involved in the crash.
"Medical staff responded immediately as did the expert horse handlers and veterinarian who staff all games," the statement said. "We are grateful that the injuries were not serious and for the staff members who responded so well."
The schooner traverses across the field at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium after every Sooners score. It is said to be reminiscent of the travel method used by pioneers who settled the Oklahoma Territory around the time of the Land Run 0f 1889.
The Sooner Schooner was introduced at the school in 1964 and became an official mascot in 1980.
Siakam agrees to $130M extension with Raptors
Forward Pascal Siakam has agreed to a four-year, $130 million maximum rookie contract extension, agents Todd Ramasar and Jaafar Choufani told ESPN.
Siakam, considered the cornerstone of the Raptors' future, is the third player in the 2016 NBA draft class to agree to a maximum contract -- along with the Philadelphia 76ers' Ben Simmons and Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murray.
The sides completed on the extension on Saturday afternoon, ahead of Monday's 6 p.m. ET deadline for 2016 draft class extensions.
Siakam is one of the Raptors' great scouting and player development success stories. A 27th overall pick who started playing basketball at 16 years old in Cameroon, Siakam was voted the NBA's Most Improved Player a year ago and played an integral part in Toronto's first NBA championship.
He averaged 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 0.7 blocks per game in the NBA Finals -- including 23.8 points on 59 percent shooting in the Raptors' four victories over the Golden State Warriors.
MLB Playoffs Daily: Astros, Yankees race back to Houston
On the edge of elimination, a game away from having to say, "Wait 'til next year," the New York Yankees have forced a Game 6 in the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros. And now, anybody who had their World Series plans already mapped out might just need to wait out the weekend. Two teams head to Houston, but only one will be headed to the World Series by Monday.
What's on tap
Saturday's schedule
8:08 p.m. ET: Yankees at Astros, Game 6
The most important thing of the day: With both teams going to bullpen games, you'd think that plays into the Yankees' hands, given the season-long dominance of their relief crew. But in uncharted waters like this, it's an opportunity for all sorts of unexpected playoff heroes from either team to mint their own moments.
The view from inside the ballpark
HOUSTON -- Well, if you're reading this early, no one is here yet. But in a few hours, it is going to be rocking at Minute Maid Park. With no travel day, a double-bullpen game Saturday night and Gerrit Cole vs. Luis Severino looming in a potential Game 7 ... this ALCS is looking a lot more interesting than it did Friday morning. -- Matt Marrone
A stat to impress your friends: According to Elias Sports Bureau data, Game 5 of the ALCS marked the first game in MLB history -- across all 1,609 games ever played in the postseason -- in which both teams scored in the first inning and then went scoreless the rest of the way.
Predictions
The Yankees' offense threatened to explode in Game 5 of the ALCS, and despite coming out with the victory, New York came up short of that explosion after Justin Verlander did some major damage control. The Yankees' bats are bound to break through against a Houston relief crew that has held New York to a 1.13 WHIP in the ALCS, after posting a 1.85 WHIP in the division series against the Rays. Yankees 7, Astros 5 -- Marly Rivera
There could very well be a Game 6 dud ahead of us after a season-saving win for the Yankees in the Bronx. But as we head to Houston, it feels like this series suddenly deserves a Game 7. So why not. Yankees 8, Astros 5 -- Marrone
About last night
Stud of the night: Let's give Big Maple his due, because James Paxton provided the Yankees the kind of postseason start they were dreaming of when they acquired him in that big trade with the Mariners last November. His nine strikeouts in an elimination game was one shy of tying the Yankees' postseason record (held by Roger Clemens in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series and Bob Turley in Game 5 of the 1958 World Series), and his 112 pitches were the most thrown by any Yankees pitcher in any game this season.
Dud of the night: For one inning, Justin Verlander, because his four-run first frame marked the first time in his career he had given up that many runs in any inning in the postseason, as well as the first time he has given that many runs up in an inning since Aug. 11, 2014, against the Padres, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Anybody can be forgiven a bad inning from anybody once in five years, but having it happen in the first inning of an elimination game was definitely not what anybody in the Astros' dugout -- or Yankee Stadium -- expected.
Highlight of the night:
Paxton provides spark with 9-K performance
James Paxton answers the bell against the Astros with nine strikeouts over six innings of one-run baseball in Game 5 of the ALCS.
Off the diamond
Social media says:
Aaron Hicks pimped that one, lordy
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/j7tVsDnIkY
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) October 19, 2019
Quote of note: "I knew we were going to Houston when I woke up." -- Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge after their win in Game 5.
Best of the playoffs so far
Our running postseason MVP: How good is Gerrit Cole right now? Everyone agrees he was a little off in Game 3 of the ALCS, yet he nonetheless shut out the Yankees over seven innings for a huge Astros win. For the postseason, Cole is 3-0 with a 0.40 ERA and 32 strikeouts, giving up one run, 10 hits and eight walks in 22⅔ innings. Needless to say, he is on track for one of the best postseasons ever for a starting pitcher.
The play of this October: We're going to cheat and make this plays: the back-to-back home runs by the Nationals' Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto off the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw in the eighth inning of Game 5 of the National League Division Series. Kershaw in the wake of Soto's tying bomb could end up as the lasting image of these playoffs.
Game of the postseason so far: Nationals-Dodgers, Game 5 of the NLDS. The Dodgers ambushing Stephen Strasburg, Strasburg settling down and keeping the Nats in it, Walker Buehler's mastery, Kershaw's big strikeout before his eighth-inning implosion, Howie Kendrick's 10th-inning grand slam, questions for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. There's a lot to unpack here, and this was a true postseason classic.
Tom Bosworth and Katrina Hart on Birmingham 2022 committee
New advisory committee has been formed to represent the interests of athletes ahead of the Commonwealth Games
Race walker Tom Bosworth and sprinter Katrina Hart are among the members of Birmingham 2022’s new athletes’ advisory committee – a group of Team England stars who will play a role in the planning and delivery of the Commonwealth Games over the next two and a half years.
The committee has been formed to represent the interests of athletes and provide the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games organisers with advice and guidance. Its role is to outline exactly what competing athletes want and need from the Games experience and specifically they will be advising on the provision of facilities within sporting venues and the athletes’ village, catering, accommodation, transportation, training venues, accessibility and ceremonies.
The committee also includes triathlete Alistair Brownlee, netballer Jodie Gibson, weightlifter Sarah Davies and squash player Sarah-Jane Perry.
.@TomBosworth talks to @birminghamcg22 about his role on the new athletes’ advisory committee.
NEWS ➡️ https://t.co/iI1AriFqIF #birmingham2022 pic.twitter.com/yYkbKcHbep— AW (@AthleticsWeekly) October 19, 2019
“It’s such an honour to have been selected to be part of the athletes’ advisory committee and it’s fascinating to be able to see behind the scenes of a major sports event,” said para athlete Hart, who won gold in the T37 100m in Delhi in 2010 and is a member of Birmingham’s biggest athletics club, Birchfield Harriers.
“I’m excited to be able to play a key role in ensuring that Birmingham 2022 is the best possible Games for all of the 4500 athletes that will be taking part.
“This role is made even more special for me as I’m helping to organise an event which is taking place right on my door step, so I’m even more determined to help ensure the Games is a success.”
Zara Hyde Peters, chair of the committee, said: “We’ve created a very strong athletes’ advisory committee, with passionate and dedicated athletes who have already begun to make an excellent contribution towards helping us to organise the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“It is invaluable to have the insight of current athletes when organising the Games, as they’ve attended the most recent multi-sport events and have that fresh and very relevant experience to draw on.
“This committee also affords an opportunity for the athletes to see behind the scenes of a major games and to better understand the staging of the sports events in which they compete with such distinction.”
Host nation maintains dominance, notable names from foreign shores sound warning bells
Pride of place went to Nazar Tretiak; in the group phase of the junior boys’ singles event, he beat Saudi Arabia’s Khalid Alshareif, the no.4 seed (11-5, 11-3, 9-11, 11-9), remaining unbeaten to secure first place in the group. The consolation for Khalid Alshareif was the fact it was his only defeat, thus second place and progress to the main draw was gained.
Defeat for the fourth seed, for the remaining leading names in the junior boys’ singles event it was a day without defeat and first place; the Egyptian trio of Marwan Abdelwahab, Ahmed Elborhamy and Abdelraham Dendan all ended the day in group top spots.
Equally impressive
Impressive from Nazar Tretiak, it was the same from Ekaterina Zironova in the junior girls’ singles competition, the defending champion and no.3 seed, she secured first place in her group, as did Tsu Yu-Chin, the top seed. Not to be overshadowed by visitors to Egyptian shores, the host nation’s Hend Fathy, the no.2 seed and Sara Elhakem, the no.4 seed, ended the day unbeaten.
Likewise in the cadet girls’ singles first stage Melissa Belache, the no.3 seed, secured first position in her group as did Tunisia’s Maram Zoghlami, the no.4 seed. Imposing from Melissa Belache and Maram Zoghlami, it was the same from the respective top two names; both from Egypt, Hana Goda and Farida Badawy duly reserved top spots.
Better news for Khalid Alshareif
Meanwhile, in the cadet boys’ singles event there was better news for Khalid Alshareif. The top seed he reserved first place in his group as did the other leading names. It was first position for the Egyptian trio of Marwan Gamal, Wael Yassin and Mohamed Sameh.
Similarly, for the leading name in the mini-cadet boys’ singles event, Yassin Wael, it was first place in the initial stage group, as it was for Egyptian colleague, Kanzy Fawzy in the mini-cadet singles competition.
The individual events continue towards the later rounds on Saturday 19th October.
Major upsets, talented young names attract attention
Xu Yingbin, crowned Asian junior champion just over a month ago, was the player to cause the biggest upset. In the opening round of the men’s singles event, he ousted Ukraine’s Kou Lei, the no.2 seed (11-8, 3-11, 14-16, 11-8, 14-12, 11-4), prior to reserving his third round place courtesy of success in opposition to Frenchman, Andrea Landrieu (11-5, 11-6, 13-11, 6-11, 11-6).
Similarly, Hiroto Shinosuke caused a first round upset, he beat Paraguay’s Marcelo Aguirre, the no.3 seed (15-13, 7-11, 9-11, 11-9, 13-11, 11-5), before continuing his advance by overcoming Singapore’s Pang Yew En Koen (11-9, 11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7).
Impressive from Hiroto Shinosuke; it was the same from Samuel Kulczycki, he beat China’s Yu Heyi (8-11, 3-11, 4-11, 11-9, 12-10, 11-7, 11-8) to reserve his third round place; Yu Heyi in the opening round having beaten Mexico’s Marcos Madrid, the no.4 seed (11-6, 11-7, 12-14, 5-11, 11-5, 6-11, 11-6).
Defeats for three celebrated names, for the most celebrated, Panagiotis Gionis of Greece, the top seed, it was success; he accounted for Sweden’s Elias Ranefur (11-6, 11-9, 11-3, 11-6) to secure his third round place.
Surprise defeats
Early exits for major names in the opening two rounds of the men’s singles event, it was no different for the women. Japan’s Saki Shibata, the no.2 seed, experienced a first round reverse at the hands of Norway’s Ma Wenting (11-9, 11-13, 9-11, 11-8, 11-2, 16-18, 11-7), who then suffered at the hands of Korea Republic’s Lee Zion 911-13, 4-11, 11-8, 11-8, 12-10, 14-12).
Likewise, there was an early departure for Hungary’s Georgina Pota, the no.4 seed; she experienced a second round defeat when opposing Italy’s Deborah Vivarelli (11-6, 11-9, 12-10, 3-11, 11-6).
Surprise outcomes but not for China’s He Zhuojia, the top seed, nor for Japan’s Hina Hayata, the no.3 seed. He Zhuojia booked her third round place by beating Russia’s Mariia Tailakova (12-10, 11-7, 13-11, 11-3), Hina Hayata accounted for Italy’s Li Xiang (11-3, 13-11, 12-10, 11-7).
Imposing from He Zhuojia, it was equally imposing from her colleagues Zhang Qiang and Chen Yi. Zhang Qiang recorded a first round win against Britt Eerland of the Netherlands, the no.7 seed (11-9, 13-11, 11-7, 11-9), before accounting for Audrey Zarif of France (11-7, 11-7, 11-9, 8-11, 11-6). Likewise, Chen Yi beat Thailand’s Suthasini Sawettabut, the no.8 seed, prior to ending the progress of Romania’s Adina Diaconu (11-4, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6).
Second seeds fall
Upsets, it was the same in the men’s and women’s doubles events. In the former Poland’s Maciej Kubik and Samuel Kulczycki recorded an opening round win in opposition to Hong Kong’s Lam Siu Hang and Ng Pak Nam, the no.2 seeds (11-6, 11-8, 12-10); likewise in the women’s doubles the second seeds fell in the opening round. China’s Fan Siqi and Zhang Qiang ousted Korea Republic’s Choi Hyojoo and Lee Zion (10-12, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9).
Problems for the second seeds in the opening round; not for the top seeds. In the men’s doubles Belgium’s Martin Allegro and Florent Lambiet opened their account by overcoming Frenchmen Bastien Rembert and Jules Rolland (11-6, 11-7, 12-10); in the women’s doubles, Japan’s Satsuki Odo and Saki Shibata overcame Korea Republic’s Sim Hyunju and Yoo Eunchong (9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8).
Champions crowned
The early rounds completed, in the under 21 men’s singles and under 21 women’s singles events, the champions were crowned; China emerging the successful nation.
After recording a semi-final success against Chinese Taipei’s Tai Ming-Wei (11-2, 11-5, 11-5), Xiang Peng secured the under 21 men’s singles title at the final expense of Frenchman, Irvin Bertrand (11-6, 13-11, 7-11, 11-1). Similarly, Kuai Man emerged the under 21 women’s singles winner, following success against Sweden’s Filippa Bergand (11-5, 11-4, 15-13), she beat colleague Qi Fei (11-7, 13-11, 11-9) to reserve the top step of the podium.
On Saturday 19th October, the third round and quarter-finals of the men’s and women’s singles events will be completed, the quarter and semi-finals of the men’s and women’s doubles competitions.
Day Two: Uncle Pop 2019 ITTF Women’s World Cup
She’s done it again!!!
Just when you thought she couldn’t create anymore headlines, Lily Zhang has caused yet another stir at the Women’s World Cup in Chengdu after backing up her sensational victory over Miu Hirano with a quarter-final win at the expense of the top ranked European player Sofia Polcanova.
The American’s quality on the ball was simply breathtaking at time but her Austrian opponent kept her honest throughout the course of the match with both players locked in an unpredictable affair. In the deciding game Polcanova looked well on her way to victory, claiming a 1-5 lead at the change of ends but Zhang refused to give up the fight winning 10 of the following 13 points (11-8) to make the semi-final draw (11-9, 8-11, 11-8, 4-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8).
“I did not give up”
Here’s the reaction from that intense duel between Feng Tianwei and Kasumi Ishikawa:
“A 33-year-old old player caused an upset haha! I didn’t have the upper hand in the previous encounters against her. Today I made full preparations. This match was really really close. We both gave out our best performance. I led in the fifth game, then I became a bit anxious. But I did not give up when I was 2-3 down. I made some improvements physically and mentally in recent times. I regard every match as my last match. I want to show the fans a better me every time. I cherish every opportunity.” Feng Tianwei
“I had the chance to finish the match in the sixth game, but I did not make it… Today I played too simple in my placement and the first three shots. My opponent knew where my ball was going to go. I need to change my mindset for the future matches. I cherish every opportunity to play.” Kasumi Ishikawa
Feng edges through, Japanese hopes fade
Wow! What a match we’ve just witnessed in the 4.30pm session of play with Singapore’s Feng Tianwei, seeded seventh, eliminating third seed Kasumi Ishikawa at the quarter-final hurdle.
A crazy battle with twists and turns at every corner Ishikawa was the first to respond turning around a 2-1 deficit to lead 2-3, shifting the pressure on her Singapore counterpart. However, a narrow win in game six saw Feng level the tie at 3-3 and her combination of attacking power and outright pace handed proved too much to handle for Ishikawa in the decider (12-10, 7-11, 11-8, 8-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-7). Ishikawa’s defeat also signals the end of Japan’s title aspirations in Chengdu.
Jeon exits as Cheng shines
Concluding the round of 16 is quite a result for the Chinese Taipei athlete Cheng I-Ching who has successfully reached the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after seeing off the first ever challenge of Jeon Jihee at the competition (14-12, 11-5, 11-9, 7-11, 11-8).
The #5 seed needed no more than the five games to reach the last 8 as the Korea Republican Jihee could not muster the energy from her group stage performances. Eventually at the end of 48 minutes, Cheng was the better player on the day and will want to use that momentum when she faces Liu Shiwen.
Liu calmly reaches quarters
China’s Liu Shiwen calmly handled her match in the face of upsets going around the tournament, as the world champion beat Chinese Taipei’s Chen Szu-Yu 4-1 (11-9, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9, 11-6).
“I led 8-3 in the fourth game and she won the next three points then I called a time-out. The game was really crucial, because if I could take the 3-1 lead, it would be very helpful. I did not play against her several times. She is very strong player with solid basic skill. Her topspin gave me a lot of pressure today. Generally speaking, I think I performed normally today. I know she is a tough opponent but it helps me for the upcoming matches.” Liu Shiwen
In under 43 minutes, Liu displayed her mental strength to make sure there were to be no comebacks after Chen took the third game 11-7. Using her forceful forehands, Liu reaches the quarter-finals to be played later today.
The upsets are building.. or are they?
Meanwhile it seems like the upset fever is catching Chengdu cold as the Chinese Taipei star Cheng I-Ching is up 2-0 against the Korea Republican Jeon Jihee!
For the World Champion Liu Shiwen things are not exactly rosy with her own Chinese Taipei opponent Chen Szu-Yu giving her trouble, as the two athletes are locked in a cagey battle that Liu leads 2-1. Are there more ‘shocks’ to come?
Speaking after the shock of the tournament
USA’s Lily Zhang is the name on everyone’s lips right now after her magnificent win over Japan’s Miu Hirano in the round of 16. Here’s the 23-year-old’s reaction to that win:
“I am so happy now. I watched her match footage yesterday night. She is much higher than me in world ranking, so I have no pressure today. I just focus on myself today. I led 2-0 which gave me a lot of confidence. Then she won the next three games but I believe I still have chance and I can come back. She is very fast. I am speedy as well. So I feel very comfortable to play against her.” Lily Zhang
More reaction about that stunning upset by Lily Zhang
Wu halted by Sofia
Wu Yue could not match her compatriot Lily Zhang’s achievements as she was knocked out by Sofia Polcanova in a strong display of backhand variety from the Austrian.
In a match lasting 42 minutes, the American Wu was mostly stalled in her attacking play by Polcanova’s resilience and timing of her returns. Taking a three game lead, the #8 seeded Polcanova had complete control over this match and she made it count by reaching the quarter-finals and matching her result in 2018 (13-11, 11-4, 14-12, 6-11, 11-9).
Zhang causes a ‘Hurricane’ upset!
USA’s Lily Zhang has truly lit up the competition in China, as she has now eliminated the #4 seed Miu Hirano. After impressive showings in the group stages, it seems like the American has no plans of slowing down!
Taking a two game lead, Lily had set up the media teams covering the event to look up every synonym for ‘upset’. Even her opponent Hirano was in a state of shock per se, which seemed to wake her up for the next three games. At 3-3 however, it was Lily who entered the decider with momentum. In the end, after all the time-outs used up, Lily managed to gain 5 match points over Hirano and made the first one count to win 4-3 (12-10, 11-8, 8-11,8-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-5).
Feng continues consistency, Szocs exits
Singapore’s Feng Tianwei set a marker down here in Chengdu as she saw off Bernadette Szocs in straight games to move on to yet another quarter-final at the Women’s World Cup (11-8, 12-10, 11-8, 11-8).
Making her ninth (!) appearance in this competition, the veteran Feng looks to be just as fuelled as she was in her debut performance. Her Romanian opponent had no response as the match was concluded in under 35 minutes.
Ishikawa wins as Meshref falters
It was just not to happen for Egypt’s Dina Meshref as 3rd seed Kasumi Ishikawa spectacularly defeated her in 27 minutes and four games (11-4, 12-10, 11-7, 11-6).
“I played against two years ago in Team World Cup. I came here fully prepared, but I did not expect that I could take the match in four straight games. The match was not easy. I managed to come back from 0:6 in the sixth game. I am satisfied with my performance in this match.” Kasumi Ishikawa
The Japanese looks to be in hot form in her seventh appearance at the World Cup. This was clearly evident as Ishikawa’s shakehand drives across the table kept Meshref from replying in her usual power-play fashion.
Solja makes a stunning comeback to beat Doo
Germany’s Petrissa Solja pulled off a comeback in a powerful display of her grit as she beat Hong Kong China’s Doo Hoi Kem to make the quarter-finals.
“I am so happy. My first goal was to pass the group and now I even win the first round. I will play against Zhu Yuling in the next round. I am looking forward to it as I am sure there will be many spectators and the venue will be loud. I always need some time to find my rhythm against Asian players. The second match was really closed. I had my chance then I was better into the condition. I always need to put her under pressure then I just play safe on both sides. I could feel that she did not know where to play.” Petrissa Solja
Being down by two games, the gold medallist at the 2019 Europe Top 16 Cup rallied herself back into the tie by winning four straight games and shocking not only the fans, but her opponent too (6-11, 11-13, 11-8, 11-9, 11-5, 11-7).
Zhu makes for an authoritative start
Top seed Zhu Yuling stomped her authority at the Women’s World Cup as she eliminated Mo Zhang in straight games this morning (11-2, 11-3, 11-3, 11-4).
“I really enjoy playing at home soil. The atmosphere is just wonderful. I am fully prepared now. Today my opponent is not that strong and this match helps me to get warmed up. Right after this match, President Liu Guoliang came to talk to me and helped me to prepare the tactics for next match.” Zhu Yuling
The Chinese star was imperious to say the least, wrapping up the match in 25 minutes where the Canadian veteran was not allowed an inch of space. Some way to make sure people know why you’re seeded #1!
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