Kumamoto Masters: Magnificent Tunjung Makes History
Gregoria Mariska Tunjung authored a stunning takedown of Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei on Sunday, in the process creating history by becoming the first Indonesian women’s singles player to win a Super 500 or above…
· BWF STAFF
Gregoria Mariska Tunjung authored a stunning takedown of Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei on Sunday, in the process creating history by becoming the first Indonesian women’s singles player to win a Super 500 or above title (equivalent of a Superseries) since the Superseries was launched in 2007.
While Tunjung has beaten Chen before – twice in nine meetings – the final of the Kumamoto Masters Japan 2023 saw the Olympic champion fall apart to Tunjung’s near-perfect play, particularly in the second game when the Indonesian won 11 of the last 12 points.
Chen had an edge at the interval, leading 11-9, but from then Tunjung took charge, with her steep angles and reverse crosscourt doing the damage, while her athletic retrievals returned Chen’s best shots.