By Vanessa Lim/Red Sports.

pui yin yip vs xingfang xie

Xie Xingfang is quick to return the shuttle. (Photo 1 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)

Singapore Indoor Stadium, Wednesday, June 10, 2009 – Eight seed and Olympic silver medalist Xie Xingfang from China beat Hong Kong’s Yip Pui Yin 2-1 (21-16, 15-21, 21-17) in the first round of the Singapore Badminton Open.

In the first set, Pui Yin managed to score the first two points against Xingfang, only to have the latter catch up later to take the set 21-16. However, Pui Yin fought back to win the second set 21-15 without any hesitation. Xingfang, who was runner up in last year’s tournament, unleashed her might as she took the rubber set 21-17.

Xingfang will now meet Ai Goto from Japan in the next round. Ai beat Netherland’s Yao Jie 2-1 (18-21, 21-9, 21-10) earlier on.

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pui yin yip vs xingfang xie

Pui Yin fighting hard. (Photo 2 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)

pui yin yip vs xingfang xie

Serves up for Pui Yin. (Photo 3 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)

pui yin yip vs xingfang xie

After losing out the second set, Xingfang overcomes her opponent to win the final set. (Photo 4 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)