AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2016 QF – Experience finally prevails in mixed

Quarter-finals marked the start of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend for Sydneysiders.  This year all the entertainment has been in Indonesian men’s doubles and all the drama happening in mixed doubles.  Would another specialist and higher ranked mixed pair fall to the (relatively) new kids on the block?

By Aaron Wong, Badzine Correspondent live in Sydney.  Photos: Badmintonphoto (live)

World #11 Goh Liu Ying / Chan Peng Soon of Malaysia were every inch their pedigree in tackling China’s Tang Jinhua / Liu Yuchen, 21-15, 21-15.

Chan didn’t initiate any dogfights; thus no need to over-hit in the strength department, which left him with sufficient energy to view the whole court and probe for gaps in his opponents’ partnership or their strokes, both of which he found wanting.

Goh demonstrated her superior instincts by testing the Chinese auto-responses.  She secured the first game by backhand lifting over Liu’s head at the same time as he moved forward while beside Tang Jinhua.  She must’ve known right?

In being able to bring out their regular standard, which the higher seeds thus far have failed to do, the Malaysian pair have put themselves in contention for this Australian title as the most experienced players left in their discipline.  Going all the way would make it a second Superseries win for them since the 2012 Japan Open.

You again!

The not superstitious Dane who’s had terribly difficult and heartbreaking first rounds in Sydney twice previous, Hans-Kristian Vittinghus, also checked into the semi-finals club, by beating Japan’s Sho Sasaki in straight games.

“The lights are a bit bright but otherwise the hall is perfect.  I like the halls where the shuttles fly slower and there’s an intimate atmosphere,” said Vittinghus.

In fact, Vittinghus perfectly recalled without bitterness being unable to convert four match points in last year’s Australian Open first round against the Indian whom he’ll meet once more at tomorrow’s semi-final.

Click here for complete quarter-final results