Pint-sized Nozomi Okuhara made a triumphant stand on home turf, defeating her arch-rival Pusarla V Sindhu in straight games to secure a spot in the DAIHATSU YONEX Japan Open 2017 quarter-finals. The 22-year-old World champion dominated the match, winning 21-18 21-8 and taking a 5-4 lead in her head-to-head against the Indian player. Okuhara capitalized on the support from her countrymen, who filled the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium for the thrilling second-round clash.
The match between these two young Women’s Singles stars had been highly anticipated after their epic battles in last month’s World Championships final and last Sunday’s title match in Korea. However, this time, the rivalry fizzled out after a crucial turning point in the dying stages of the first game. Pusarla, holding an 18-16 lead, unexpectedly committed four unforgiving errors, repeatedly hitting the shuttle into the net. This handed Okuhara a 20-18 advantage, which she quickly converted into game point, securing the first game.
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Following this shift in momentum, Okuhara remained calm and composed, while Pusarla struggled to regain her form. Okuhara’s shots were precise, while Pusarla’s attempts failed to find their mark, even a routine smash that hit the net. The Japanese player took control, building a significant 13-4 lead, disappointing the spectators who had hoped for another thrilling showdown between these two talented athletes. Ultimately, it was another weak stroke from Pusarla into the net that ended the match.
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Okuhara expressed her gratitude to the Japanese crowd for their support and acknowledged the strength of Sindhu’s shots and attacking play. She credited her victory to her ability to respond to Pusarla’s attacks and maintain persistence in her own game. Reflecting on her rival’s four consecutive errors in the first game, Okuhara believed that it had put pressure on Pusarla, noting that she had experienced a similar fate in their previous clash in Korea.
Pusarla, on the other hand, admitted to making too many unforced errors and feeling nervous throughout the match. She acknowledged the impact of the four crucial mistakes at the end of the first game, which affected her confidence and mindset. It was a disappointing afternoon for India, as Saina Newhal also lost to Carolina Marin in a dominant display.
Looking ahead, Okuhara will face Beiwen Zhang of the USA in the quarter-finals. The host nation will also have representation in the other two Women’s Singles quarter-finals, with Sayaka Takahashi taking on defending champion He Bingjiao of China, and Chen Yufei facing Aya Ohori.
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In the Women’s Doubles category, the title will be contested between Japan and Korea, with five home pairs and three Korean pairs making it to the quarter-finals. Denmark has emerged as a strong contender in the Men’s Doubles, with three pairs advancing to the quarter-finals. Mathias Boe/Carsten Mogensen, Mads Conrad-Petersen/Mads Pieler Kolding, and Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen will battle it out for a spot in the semi-finals. Astrup/Rasmussen will face Indonesia’s Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo.
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FAQs
Q: Who is Nozomi Okuhara?
A: Nozomi Okuhara is a prominent badminton player from Japan. She is known for her skill and success in Women’s Singles competitions.
Q: What is the DAIHATSU YONEX Japan Open?
A: The DAIHATSU YONEX Japan Open is a prestigious badminton tournament held annually in Japan. It attracts top players from around the world.
Q: How did Nozomi Okuhara perform in previous matches against Pusarla V Sindhu?
A: Nozomi Okuhara and Pusarla V Sindhu have had intense battles in the past, including the World Championships final and a recent title match in Korea. Okuhara currently holds a 5-4 lead in their head-to-head encounters.
Summary
In an exhilarating match at the DAIHATSU YONEX Japan Open, Nozomi Okuhara showcased her talent and defeated her rival Pusarla V Sindhu in straight games. Okuhara’s victory was a result of her exceptional skills and the relentless support she received from the Japanese crowd. Despite a disappointing ending to the intense rivalry between these two Women’s Singles stars, Okuhara demonstrated her composure and precise shots, overpowering Pusarla. The tournament also witnessed other thrilling matches, including Carolina Marin’s dominant performance against Saina Newhal. As the competition progresses, badminton enthusiasts eagerly await the upcoming quarter-finals and the exciting matches they will bring. Stay tuned for more updates on Carnegiecentre.com.
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