French Open: Solid Defence Propels Rhustavito
Shesar Hiren Rhustavito extended his unbeaten streak against Lee Zii Jia to two matches, notching a straight games win over the new world No.2 in the YONEX French Open 2022 first round.
· PREM KUMAR
Rhustavito, who won their most recent encounter in the Malaysia Open last 16 in June, credited his solid defence for the upset. With the Indonesian returning most of his attacking shots, a visibly frustrated Lee lost his focus towards the end to fall 21-19 21-18.
“The key to winning was good defence," said the 28-year-old, who now leads their head-to-head 5-4.
“I was prepared to defend and had worked on it for this match because everyone knows his smashes are powerful. Thankfully, my defence was solid.”