Han Yue Escapes Bitter Defeat Against "Robo-cat" Yamaguchi in World Tour Finals 2024
Ashley
Sat Dec 21 2024
Han Yue faced a nightmare come true in her opening match at the World Tour Finals 2024 against Akane Yamaguchi, the "Robo-cat" from Japan. Almost suffering a bitter loss, Han Yue managed to steady herself and secure victory against her formidable opponent.
The match saw Han Yue leading comfortably in the second set, only to see Yamaguchi close in from 19-9 to 19-17, after Han had taken the first set. This relentless pursuit by Yamaguchi brought back memories of Miyazaki squandering 7 match points in the semi-finals just three weeks prior. Han mentioned feeling anxious, with thoughts of An Se Young's match looming in her mind, leading to uncharacteristic errors on her part. However, Han regained her composure and closed out the match with a 21-19, 21-17 victory, aided by some crucial errors from Yamaguchi at key moments.
Having waited six years for her first win against the Japanese opponent, Han's recent victories over Yamaguchi in their past encounters have showcased her growth and determination. Despite acknowledging the tough challenge Yamaguchi poses, Han expressed satisfaction with her performance and defensive abilities during the match. She emphasized her readiness for the long battles ahead and her desire to maintain her competitive edge against the best players in the future.
Han Yue's triumph over Yamaguchi at the World Tour Finals highlights her resilience and ability to overcome formidable opponents. As she continues to sharpen her skills and mental fortitude, the badminton world can expect even more thrilling encounters between these two exceptional athletes in the future.