profile:
Current rank: 1
Country: China China
Date of birth: April 12, 1991
Residence: Liaoning, China
Height: 159 cm (5' 2 '')
Weight: 46 kg (101 lbs)
Best rank: 1
Style of play: Offensive topspin from mid-distance
Biography
China’s top seeded Zhang Yining secured her place in the final of the Women’s Singles event at the Qatar Open on Saturday 21st February 2009 beating colleague Liu Shiwen at the penultimate stage.Zhang Yining won 8-11, 13-11, 11-5, 11-13, 11-9, 11-8.
It was success for the no.1 seed against an adversary some 10 years her junior and against a player surely destined for the highest echelons
Only 17 years old she gave the reigning Olympic champion more than food for thought.
Fast and Furious
Fast close to the table attacking play was the order of proceedings with both players electing to stay close to the table on the backhand.
Predominantly Liu Shiwen attacked the backhand of Zhang Yining early in the rallies and then switched the direction of play quickly down the parallel. She met with success and was able to dominate matters moving into a 9-6 lead.
She afforded the Olympic champion one more point before bringing the game to a close at 11-8.
pictures
Shiwen Liu
Shiwen Liu
Shiwen Liu
Shiwen Liu
Shiwen Liu