Taiwan’s Lin, Ching Fall to Japan’s Aida, Sato in Mixed Doubles

Taiwanese Olympians Lin Yun-ju and Cheng I-ching needed to accept a silver medal after their defeat within the combined doubles closing on the WTT Star Contender Muscat.

Despite their excessive rating and up to date success, the world No. 9 duo was unable to beat Japan‘s Satoshi Aida and Hitomi Sato, falling 11th of September, 5-11, 6-11 in a three-game sweep.

Taiwan’s Mixed Doubles Stars Fight for Another Title

According to Taipei Times, Lin and Cheng got here to the Muscat competitors on the again of excessive momentum since they gained the championship on the WTT Star Contender London on Oct. 26. The Taiwanese duo is hoping to win their second combined doubles title of the season, but it surely’s Japan that dictates the entire tempo all through the sport.

Seeded third in a aggressive 16-pair subject, Taiwan had been extensively anticipated to contend for gold. The matchup in opposition to Japan’s defensive specialists offered a far larger problem than had been anticipated on this competitors. They by no means noticed that coming.

Japanese Underdogs Stun the Field with Defensive Mastery

Ranked outdoors of the world’s prime 100, Aida and Sato had been clear underdogs coming into the match. Rarely pairing collectively in worldwide occasions, the Japanese pair managed to shock followers and analysts alike by advancing from the qualifiers onto the championship spherical.

The Japanese pair, identified for his or her elite chopping method, disrupted the standard rhythm of Lin and Cheng. Their constant protection pressured repeated errors from the Taiwanese aspect, whereas well timed counterattacks managed to maintain Lin and Cheng at bay.

The closing sport mirrored the earlier struggles. Lin delivered 4 consecutive explosive returns to slim the deficit from 1-7 to 5-7, giving Taiwanese followers hope. Yet a uncommon attacking miscue from Cheng on the internet opened the door for Japan’s closing push, sealing the match and the championship.

The opening sport confirmed simply how powerful the match was more likely to be. Lin and Cheng twice trailed, at 0-3 after which at 6-7, rallying again every time earlier than dropping momentum on a lucky edge ball from their opponents. Aida and Sato then took benefit, taking the primary sport for psychological momentum.

In the second sport, Lin and Cheng appeared to retake the reins as they moved forward 4-1, however a string of unforced errors derailed their tempo. Aida’s sharp backhand counters fueled a surprising 10-1 run that put the Taiwanese workforce in a tricky two-game gap.