MS - First round - Already huge upsets at Coubertin

The recent winner of the Danish Open SHI Yu Qui (No. 40, China) was the favorite against the Thai Sitthikom THAMMASIN (No. 36). However, the dry defeat of the Chinese 21/16 21/14 did not let this advantage on paper show. Seemingly detached from the final result, SHI Yu Qui did not give battle to an opponent who did not ask for so much.   

LEE Zi Jia (n°2, Malaysia) was also in the game last Sunday in Odense and his start was not more successful than his opponent's. A little bit underdone physically, he lost the first set to a very good Hiren RHUSTAVITO (n° 24, Indonesia) who took advantage of the Malaysian's mistakes. Known for his extraordinary power, LEE was unable to impose his rhythm and was moved around by a more mobile RHUSTAVITO. At 17-17, the world number 2 completely broke down and will not see the next round (19/21 18/21).   

CHOU Tien Chen (n°4, Taipei), quarter-finalist in Odense, did not deviate from the rule and lost after a sensational match against the Hong-Kongese LEE Cheuk Yiu (n°15) on the score of 21/23 23/21 18/21   

The Olympic bronze medalist Anthony Sinisuka GINTING (n°6, Indonesia) was surprised from the beginning by the Indian Samer VERMA (n°31). The loss of the first set 15/21 made the public fear another elimination of one of the big favorites in the men's singles draw. GINTING took advantage of his comeback at the end of the first set to attack the second set on the same momentum. After winning the second set, he began by giving VERMA a 6-0 run for his money. However, we were treated to a breathless finale. At 19-18, a great rally allowed GINTING to get two match points, but he lost them before giving VERMA a chance to close. The Indian did not miss. He will declare "to have played his best match, without thinking about winning or losing".   

The big 100% Indian clash opposing the young Lakshya SEN (n°8) to the winner of the 2017 edition Srikanth KIDAMBI (n°11) was played in only two sets despite the extremely close level of the two opponents. It is KIDAMBI who qualifies for the next round (21/18 21/18). 

Finally, H.S PRANNOY (n°12, India) won in three sets (21/16 16/21 21/16) against the Malaysian Lew DAREN (n°28). The latter continues his series of six consecutive defeats and received a red card at the end of the match for misconduct.   

Tomorrow's program in the men's singles draw, the 8th finals will be played in their entirety, which will allow us to witness a fierce battle between the world's top players still in competition.