Tie Yana and Zhang Rui Repeat Brazilian Success
April 23, 2007

Courtesy of ITTF Tie Yana and Zhang Rui, the top seeds in the Women’s Doubles event at the Liebherr Chile Open in Santiago faced their colleagues, Jiang Huajun and Lin Ling in the final on Sunday April 22, 2007. Eight days earlier the two pairs had met on the ITTF Pro Tour at the Liebherr Brazilian Open in Belo Horizonte when in seven games Tie Yana and Zhang Rui had succeeded at the quarterfinal stage.

In Santiago they won in six games to record their tenth Women’s Doubles success on the ITTF Pro Tour; they succeeded 11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 11-7, 5-11, 11-8.

Early Advantage
The opening game saw Tie Yana and Zhang Rui establish an early advantage; it was an advantage they never relinquished.

Tie Yana was as skilful as ever making it difficult for adversaries to attack strongly, while when they did Zhang Rui blocked in typical immaculate style.

The first game went 11-6 in favor of Tie Yana and Zhang Rui.

Reversal
However, in the second game it was the partnership of Lin Ling and Zhang Rui that made the better start. They went ahead 6-4 but then made errors as Tie Yana and Zhang Rui won the next four points.

It was a lead they never relinquished, Tie Yana and Zhang Rui moved ahead 11-7, eventually winning the game 11-8.

Third Game
The third game saw Lin Ling playing towards Zhang Rui and as in the first game the top seeds made the better start. They went ahead 3-1; controlled topspin play from Tie Yana and fast blocks from Zhang Rui was proving a winning formula. The most powerful player on duty was Jiang Huajun but she was given little chance to exert that power.

Counter attacking more consistently than in the first two games, Lin Ling and Jiang Huajun mounted a recovery. They leveled at 6-all and then went ahead 8-6. The duo extended the lead to 9-7 and at 10-8 held game point. They converted the opportunity to reduce the arrears in terms of games to one.

Fourth Game
In the fourth game with Tie Yana playing towards Jiang Huajun, Tie Yana and Zhang Rui established a 4-2 lead with Zhang Rui taking charge of proceeding. She continually advised and the advice clearly worked.

They moved into a 9-5 lead, then 10-6 before bringing matters to an end at 11-7.

Fifth Game
The fourth game had been dominated by Tie Yana and Zhang Rui; in the fifth it was totally the reverse scenario.

Lin Ling and Jiang Huajun couldn’t put a foot wrong. They won the first eight points. The top seeds saved face by winning the next two points but there was to be amazing recovery. Lin Ling and Jiang Huajun succeeded 11-5.

Sixth Game
Stung by the reverse Tie Yana and Zhang Rui made the better start in the sixth game; they went ahead 4-1. Lin Ling and Jiang Huajun called `Time Out’.

The next two points were shared as the level of play rose; both pairs seemingly intent on following the strategy of `putting the ball on the table’.

However, in the consistency stakes the honors went to the top seeds, they maintained their lead and at 8-5 were nearing gold; their adversaries fought but never gained parity.

Tie Yana and Zhang Rui won 11-8 and in so doing, won their tenth Women’s Doubles.

To view the full results of the 2007 Chile Open click here.