Chinese shuttlers cruise through mixed doubles first round at French Open

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Four Chinese pairs recorded comfortable victories in the first round as the six-day BWF World Superseries French Open kicked off on Tuesday in Paris.

Top seeds Zheng Siwei and Chen Qingchen withstood some challenges in the first game to win 21-19 against Hafiz Faizal and Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja of Indonesia, before regrouping themselves for a last 16 berth with a score of 21-13 in the second game.

"I felt a bit distracted in the match. The opponents' tactics proved successful at the start, but we managed to adjust ourselves and play something different to take away the win," said Zheng.

BWF Photo

The Chinese duo suffered a disappointing loss in the final of the Denmark Open two days ago as they surrendered several champion points and lost to a pair from Hong Kong, China.

"Winning or losing is normal, and always about one point or two points. We have learnt much from that loss, so for us, losing is not that bad," commented Zheng, adding that his physical condition was not much affected by a tight schedule.

"Every match is same to us, and we will try to do our best until the final point," said Chen.

World junior champions He Jiting and Du Yue saw off German duo of Mark Lamsfuss and Isabel Herttrich 21-18, 21-16.

Sixth-seeded Zhang Nan and Lin Yinhui also booked a spot in the last 16 with a 21-19, 21-17 victory over Japan's Kobayashi Yugo and Matsutomo Misaki.

Huang Yaqiong/Yu Xiaohan / Aiyuke Photo

After securing a position in the main draw with Yu Xiaohan through women's doubles qualifications, Huang Yaqiong played her third match of the day in mixed doubles first round. She and Lu Kai, the tournament's second seeds, combined to eliminate local favorites Bastian Kersaudy and Lea Palermo 21-15, 21-12.

"After the Japan Open, I had better adjustment to myself so that I could feel better both physically and mentally," admitted Huang.

The French Open, 10th leg of 12 BWF World Superseries of the season, was less star-studded following withdrawal of men's singles top seed Viktor Axelsen of Denmark, Grand Slam winner Lin Dan, men's doubles world No. 1 Marcus Fe Gideon and Kevin San Sukamuljo.

Chen Long /Xinhua Photo

Olympic champion Chen Long will feature in men's singles first round on Wednesday along with teammates Shi Yuqi, Huang Yuxiang and Qiao Bin. Chen is expected to bounce back from his early exit at the Denmark Open last week.

(Cover image: Zheng Siwei and Chen Qingchen /Sina Photo)

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency