Eventual defeat at the quarter-final stage of the Women’s Singles event at the GAC Group 2015 ITTF World Tour Spanish Open in Almeria, on Saturday 28^th March, at the hands of Yuka Ishigaki the no.6 (12-10, 11-4, 11-9, 13-11) but one round earlier, Doo Hoi Kem, the no.12 seed, had caused a major upset.

She beat Yuka Ishigaki’s colleague, Kasumi Ishikawa, the top seed (11-7, 11-3, 11-9, 8-11, 7-11, 12-10) and again showed her distinct liking for causing Japan’s leading ladies headaches.

In Bremen one week earlier at the GAC Group 2015 ITTF World Tour German Open, Doo Hoi Kem had beaten Ai Fukuhara in the opening round of the Women’s Singles event

“I think the main reason why I won today was because I followed the strategy suggested by my coach”, said Doo Hoi Kem, the coach in question being the very astute Zhang Rui.

“At no stage did I feel nervous, I don’t think that Kasumi was near her best today”, added Doo Hoi Kem. “I know that when I have to block the ball I need to improve.”

A quarter-final exit in the Women’s Singles event for Doo Hoi Kem; in the Women’s Doubles it was a semi-final departure in partnership with Lee Ho Ching, a fate that also befell Jiang Huajun and Tie Yana.

Both pairs suffered at Japanese hands

Miu Hirano and Mima Ito, the top seeds, beat Jiang Huajun and Tie Yana, the fourth seeds (11-5, 11-8, 5-11, 11-9), Ai Fukuhara and Misako Wakamiya, the second seeds, overcame Doo Hoi Kem and Lee Ho Ching, the third seeds (10-12, 11-8, 11-13, 11-6, 11-6).

Article by: Ian Marshall

Photo By: Courtesy of Jordi Mesa and Cristina Ruiz