WS - Day 5 : Semi-final battles all-in, only two Japanese players got out safe.

Indian best player PUSARLA V. Sindhu needed to take her last test from the  world Number 13 Sayaka TAKAHASHI from Japan.

At 11 :30 am., this first woman single semi-final spectacle opened its curtains. Sindhu had held a tiny advantage for their head-to-head record.  The Japanese  apparently came fully prepared this time. Intelligent attacks, smooth defense, after Sindhu managing to get the first set’s win, the stubborn Japanese forced her opponent to give away the second set’s victory.

Fans were heating up the Stade today. From India, Japan, it was not only a match between the players, but also between the passionate supporters. “Go Sindhu, go India!!!!”

Takahashi was not known as a fierce attacker, but Sindhu was. Her violent smashes aimed perfectly the dead angle of Takahashi’s defense. However, Takahashi just got better used to Sindhu’s game style, she only had one objective: make Sindhu run and keep her away from her best attack spot. 14/9. Sayaka Takahashi maintained a steady lead of 4-5 points over her Indian rival. This time, she kept the lead to the last second of the game :21/12.  Sindhu wanted her final ticket bad, but Sayaka was CRAZY about it. They say whoever wants it harder gets it better, so see you tomorrow Takahashi. “ sincerely, I didn’t expect to be able to make it so far. My first final here tomorrow. I feel excited but  I will stay concentrated because it’s not over.” Besides, the Japanese also spoke highly of her opponent “very powerful and smart player. She got tired in the third game and I made a good use of this.”

The other match took place at 3:00 pm on court TV at the stadium Pierre de Coubertin between Akane YAMAGUCHI(N°5, Japan) and the Korean national star AN Seyoung(N°8, South Korea) .

6 confrontations, these  two  world’s top players shared a half-half battle record. Today’s match was therefore crucial for both players. 21/13. Yamaguchi didn’t  blunt her blade much before she took the first win over the youngster. Likewise, that’s how An Seyoung took back the second game 21/10 a tooth for a tooth. For the last game there were some unforgettable dives from Yamaguchi and even one epic split!  An showed her best patience during some long rallies and it’s  quite challenging both on a  mental and  a physical level. They seemed to measure each one of their touch on the shuttle. Yamaguchi had to end the one – hour game with her final kill shot. 21/18.  The 19-year-old Korean tried her best to win the game, but she will have to prove herself in her next tournament. “ I truly was tired during a certain point of the game, but when I heard the Japanese fans shouting out my name, my energy came back and I want to thank them for the support.”  Speaking of the numerous  endless rallies, she admitted that she was used to this type of strategy and was not feeling much pressure. “ about the final, I am not one hundred percent ready but here I am! I will make sure to give the best performance tomorrow. ” The world Number 5 concluded in front the camera.

For the last round, the two Japanese national top players will face each other for the French open champion title.