LXR also playing rather aggressively but more error-prone, not a good sign. A number of mishits, either into the net, wide or misjudging the lines. In the end, a narrow escape for LXR in G2, winning 21-19.
A great effort, AY could have beaten everyone except LXR. She won't has this opportunity again. LXR will be more prepared next time they meet.
LXR saved by the skin of her teeth, an unconvincing,close encounter, not a good victory. Her R1 blues is a concern,and the number of unforced errors is , to me, unacceptable for a WR1 or a great player if she's to become one in the future. I'm more impressed by Akane's play, she's attacking and defending very well, unlike her usual stroke play.
Akane! She got a little too excited at the end of the third, if she hadn't she might have taken it. That's a sign of her youth, I guess. Even so, coming that close to beating the OC and World No. 1 at 16 (17?) years of age is amazing, and she simply has to go further. I was rooting for an epic upset to shake things up, but it amazes me that there's some who start their hand-wringing just because LXR lost one game to an opponent she's never met before. It's like just because she's at the top, they expect her to be able to defeat anyone she meets.
Too bad, the defending JPN Open champion has to go out in the 1st round. Akane deserves at least direct entry to the main draw instead of having to play the qualies (which, come to think of it, isn't necessarily a bad thing for a developing player, on top of being able to warm up earlier than her R1 opponent).
Not totally agree, LXR will dominate until the 2016 Olympic. A few bumps along the way is normal. Remember, she still hasn't beaten by non-Chinese this year.
If Intanon continues to play like this, it will take more than a miracle for her to defend her WC title this year.
Perhaps and I certainly hope you're right. Anyway, this is the 4th time I've seen LXR struggled in R1 but each time she escaped ! Maybe that shows her mettle and fighting spirit. As the saying goes, when the going gets tough,the tough gets going.
