London 2012: Feng Tianwei Lost Women Singles Semifinals

The Women Singles of the 2012 London Olympic table tennis reached the semifinal round today. After the quarterfinals earlier today, Ding Ning continues to guard the upper half of the draw against old rival Feng Tianwei while in the opposite end, Li Xiaoxia will defend her line against Kasumi Ishikawa. 

Ding Ning CHN - Feng Tianwei SIN 

With the two-serve advantage, Feng Tianwei was able to use both to her advantage in 2-0. She actually started strong in the opening set but it did not stop Ding Ning to do her thing in the arena. First set went to the top seed. 

As the match progressed, Feng Tianwei just cannot read Ding Ning's attacks which were going to different directions. Either through forehand or backhand, points were just coming in favor to Ding Ning, leading her to a 2-0 advantage. As expected, the Singaporean paddler fought back as she tried to break the momentum of Ding Ning. Feng Tianwei succeeded with her quick and lethal topspins. 

Despite that, Ding Ning did not lose herself from the match. She remained composed but fierce in her attacks. She continued to make her presence felt either as an attacker or even as a defender. However, the top seed encountered some problems with her service which led to giving away two points to the opponent. 

As a world champion, one must know how to overcome such unexpected problems. Indeed, Ding Ning showed what she is made of as she slowly stepped closer to the finals. At the end, Feng Tianwei was not able to bring back the Moscow loss as Ding Ning sealed the match with 11-7, 11-4, 9-11, 12-10, 6-11, 11-6.   

Li Xiaoxia CHN - Kasumi Ishikawa JPN

The young Japanese paddler Kasumi Ishikawa was impressive against the Singaporean veteran Wang Yuegu in the previous round. However, in the semifinal stage against Li Xiaoxia, Ishikawa did not seem to have what it takes to be in the finals. The Chinese and second seed Li Xiaoxia was in total control over the table. Her powerful topspins just prevented Ishikawa to get near her. Li Xiaoxia got a nice 2-0 advantage. 

However, in the third set, Kasumi Ishikawa managed to stay close in the scores. She even managed to level in several set points and finally broke the winning streak of the Chinese player. Momentum continued for the Japanese player but it did not break the confidence of the Chinese player. 

However, in the third set, Kasumi Ishikawa managed to stay close in the scores. She even managed to level in several set points and finally broke the winning streak of the Chinese player. Momentum continued for the Japanese player but it did not break the confidence of the Chinese player. 

As the match progressed, Li Xiaoxia was just too strong for Kasumi Ishikawa to handle. At the end of five sets, Kasumi Ishikawa will just have to fight for the bronze as Li Xiaoxia proceeds to the finals after posting 11-5, 11-4, 11-13, 11-6, 11-7. 

Photo source: channelnews.com