Chen Has the Edge in Competitive Field – Women’s Singles: Preview
The unique format of the season finale poses a challenge that not every player can master.
· DEV SUKUMAR
Among the eight women’s singles qualifiers, Tai Tzu Ying has the best record at this event, having won two -- 2014 and 2016 -- of her three finals (she lost to Li Xuerui in 2013). The world No.1 laid out the task facing the competitors in Guanghou:
"The World Tour Finals has a different format. It’s not like the regular Tour where you may play against slightly lower ranked players in the first two rounds. In Guangzhou we start with round robin matches but the level of competition feels like a quarterfinal match. After three tough matches, we have to play the semifinals. The level of competition is very high especially in women’s singles where everyone is improving. Therefore, our matches are longer, and I have to be mindful of my condition.”
Despite a fairly successful season, in which she won three titles in five finals, and coming in to Guangzhou ranked No.1, the Chinese Taipei superstar has had her concerns fitness-wise. A knee injury forced a retirement in the semifinals of the Fuzhou China Open, her last event. At times during the season, she didn’t appear to be at her physical best.