Cheng I-Ching scored comprehensive 3-0 victory over veteran Portuguese paddler Fu Yu to storm into the semi-finals of WTT Star Contender Goa 2023.
In a rare last-eight battle of experienced pros at the ongoing WTT Star Contender Goa 2023 where the younger paddlers have created shocks on regular basis, 31-year-old Cheng (TPE) defeated 44-year-old Fu Yu 11-5, 11-9, 11-6 in 41:29 minutes.
Cheng will clash with Japan’s Miu Hirano in the semi-finals later today at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao plateau.
Earlier on Saturday, 22-year-old Hirano brushed off the challenge from world no 8, Ying Han of Germany 3-0 (11-8, 11-6, 11-9) in just over 33 minutes in the first quarter-final of the day.
Speaking after her victory, Cheng I-Ching described the quarterfinal outing as an intense battle. “This match was really intense, and it was quite difficult but I tried playing one point at a time,” she said. Airing her thoughts on the last-four match-up, she said:” Miu Hirano is a very strong opponent and I have prepared well against her. And I am looking forward to play her this evening. “
