Watching a match between He Bingjiao and Akane Yamaguchi is always a crowd-pleasing spectacle. And today’s quarter-final was no different.
The number 6 seed He had a tough prospect against the number 4 seed Yamaguchi, and it went the Japanese stars way in the opening game. He Bingjiao fought back valiantly in the 2nd game, forcing a decider. The 3rd game however went all Yamaguchi’s way, who controlled the game well. It ended 21-16, 19-21, 21-12.
Yamaguchi will now be facing number 1 seed and double All England Champion Tai Tzu Ying in a hotly anticipated semi-final. Commenting on this, Yamaguchi said
-I am very happy to have another game tomorrow. She will be very strong and I am looking forward to playing her.
The right mentality
Asking He Bingjiao after the match about the 3rd game which got away from her, He stated that
-My opponent is quite tough, and I was too eager to win the points leading to meaningless mistakes. And in this area, she beat me.
Despite losing, He is always smiling on court, and looks like she is really enjoying herself. We asked if she is aware of this and whether it helps her during the match.
-I do smile when I make mistakes. I think it gives me the right mentality, because if I get annoyed it will compromise my future performance. And I think that is the correct mentality to have.