Never say die: Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska in action against Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi. — Bernama
THE Malaysian Open needed a spectacular start after being shelved for the last two years due to Covid-19 and Indonesian Gregoria Mariska gave the spark it needed at the Axiata Arena.
Gregoria was facing a Herculean task against world No. 1 and top seed Akane Yamaguchi of Japan but the world No. 31 snatched a 21-14, 21-14 victory in just 27 minutes.
The victory was made sweeter as Gregoria had been on a seven-match losing streak over the Japanese. The one and only time she won was at the Asian Games team event in Jakarta four years ago.
World champion Yamaguchi, on the other hand, secured the All-England in March and had been on a lean spell where she only made the quarter-finals.
“Never expected to win easy today because Akane is a top player.
“If at all I have a chance to beat her, it could have been in three games. Despite beating her, I am not satisfied as Akane did not play her best,” said Gregoria.
“Having said that, I hope to build on this win and play better in the next game. I have not set any specific target here. Just to play better than I did in previous tournaments.”
Gregoria faces China’s Wang Zhiyi, who defeated compatriot He Bingjiao 23-21, 9-21, 21-11, in the second round tomorrow.
