Shen Yanfei Is The Women Singles Champion

The 2012 Japan Open Women Singles reached its conclusion today with the South Korean Kim Kyung Ah, fifth seed, against Spain's Shen Yanfei, the twelfth seed in the competition. 

The fifth seed Kim Kyung Ah quickly found her rhythm as she started the match against Shen Yanfei. As expected her solid defensive skills earned her an 11-5 opening score. However, such powerful performance was not carried into the second set. This time, it was Shen Yanfei who had the control over the table and dominated in 11-4, leveling things in 1-1. 

After winning the previous game, Shen Yanfei carried out her control into the thrd game and overtook to a 2-1 lead with 11-8. Shen Yanfei ushered the fourth set with a lead. However as the set progressed, Kim Kyung Ah established herself once again. At this point, it was a close fight with both players leveled in every point. After the tie in 12-12, Shen Yanfei found her opportunities and sealed a 3-1 lead with 14-12. 

Eventually, Shen Yanfei placed the two-time winner Kim Kyung Ah in great danger as she was one set away to losing the title. In the fifth set, Kim Kyung Ah played well and maintained an advantage. Indeed, Kim had set point in 10-8. However, Shen Yanfei was not distracted by this and leveled in 10-10. 

For the second time, the set continued very tight. Kim Kyung Ah had several opportunities as she had her set point advantages. However when Shen Yanfei overtook to 16-15, Kim Kyung Ah wasn't able to recover anymore and lost the match. Shen Yanfei sealed her victory with 17-15. 

After five sets, the twelfth seed Shen Yanfei of Spain successfully clinched the championship title of the 2012 Japan Open Women Singles.  

Photo source:  Flickr account of ITTF