Feng wins Japan Open

SINGAPORE — Paddler Feng Tianwei has claimed her third women’s singles title of the season, defeating home favourite Kasumi Ishikawa 4-2 at the Japan Open yesterday at the Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium.

Both paddlers have met numerous times on the ITTF World Tour, with Singapore’s world No 4 Feng winning the last encounter at the Asian Cup.

The Republic’s top female player struck the first blow in yesterday’s women’s singles final, winning the first game 12-10 before the Japanese second seed — who is ranked ninth in the world — bounced back to claim the next two 11-9, 11-3.

But Feng regrouped to clinch the remaining three games 11-3, 11-5, 13-11 to secure her third win of the year, and her seventh career title in 13 World Tour finals.

“It was a tough and exciting match against Ishikawa,” said Feng in an interview with ITTF.

“Both of us gave our best efforts to perform well in the final match and we both did well. I am in good shape today and I am very happy with my win. I am looking forward to the upcoming Asian Games in Korea.” LOW LIN FHOONG