Chen Meng adds to earlier success, second title clinched in Doha

Successful partners earlier in the afternoon on Sunday 26th February when clinching the Women’s Doubles tite, later in the day in the final of the Women’s Singles event at the Seamaster 2017 ITTF World Tour Qatar Open, it was opposite ends of the table for China’s Chen Meng and Wang Manyu.

The verdict went in favour of Chen Meng, the no.9 seed; she emerged successful in five games (12-10, 11-9, 11-2, 2-11, 11-6).

Fast exchanges were the order of the day; throughout Chen Meng looked for the chance to execute her technically very correct top spin attacking play early in the rally, countering those attacks was very much the role for Wang Manyu. However, that is the scenario in which Wang Manyu is most comfortable; counter attacking.

The opening two games were both on the proverbial knife-edge, both finished in favour of Chen Meng; her positive athletic play being rewarded.

Arguably more relaxed; the movement and balance executed a lesson in technical perfection, Chen Meng established an early lead at 4-1 in the third game.

Seemingly asserting her authority on the contest, it was somewhat contrary to expectations that Wang Manyu won the first eight points of the fourth game; Wang Manyu was stable, secure and trademark consistent, Chen Meng made errors.

A break between games, it was a highly focused Chen Meng, most deliberate when serving, who entered the arena for the fifth game. She went ahead 4-3, Wang Manyu called “Time Out”.