By Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports
Derek Wong of Singapore smashes against India’s Sai Praneeth in the 2014 OUE Singapore Open men’s singles match. Derek put up a strong fight before conceding the match 0–2 (24–22, 19–21) to Sai. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)
Singapore Indoor Stadium, Thursday, April 10, 2014 — National shuttler Derek Wong went down 0–2 against India’s Sai Praneeth Bhamidipati in round 2 of the 2014 OUE Singapore Open.
The duo put up an excellent display of skills but it was India’s Sai who prevailed through a deuce to win the first set with a score of 24–22. Derek had a brilliant 6–1 start in the second set, but his stellar play gave way to costly mistakes that allowed Sai to reduce the deficit. Sai regained control of the game and eventually took the second set with a score of 21–19.
Derek commented, “I think I started to lose focus after leading in the second set. The opponent (Sai Praneeth) was very steady. I am not ready for long rallies, so he managed to get points from my mistakes and my unsteadiness. I was a little too slow in the first set and a little too rushed in the second set. If the game had gone into the rubber set, I feel that there would still be a 50-50 chance.”
With the loss, Derek Wong did not qualify for the quarter finals of the 2014 OUE Singapore Open.
Scoring by Set
Sai Praneeth vs Derek Wong
1st set: 24–22
2nd set: 21–19
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