Grasshopper Cup: Kennedy into Semis in Quarter-Finals Opener

Gina Kennedy kicked off the quarter-finals in style, beating Samtomi Watanabe 2-0 in the opening match of the day. 

There was little to separate the two players in the early stages, with Kennedy hitting a delicate drop at 5-6 down the level the score. 

Watanabe then won the next two points and had a golden opportunity to put daylight between the players at 8-6, hitting the tin with the court at her mercy. 

That missed chance proved costly as Kennedy wrestled control of the game, taking it 11-9 on another Watanabe error. 

The Japanese player continued to be her own worst enemy in game two, making multiple errors throughout. 

She let out a huge roar of delight after winning a lengthy rally at 4-6 down, but that was as good as things got for her, as Kennedy kept her own error count down, to close out the win. 

“Every time my ball landed short, she was going to attack it,” Kennedy said post-match. 

“Most of the time she’d hit a winner, but I think the difference in that match was that she hit a few tins on pivotal moments, so it was very lucky I got that first game. 

“The way I played was definitely a testament to her target hitting and the way she made me feel out there.” 

Kennedy moves into the semi-finals having spent just 37 minutes on court this week, something she believes could play a factor in her quest for glory. 

“This is going to be the freshest semi-final I’ve ever played,” she said. 

“That was a very tough match but with it being only two games, it’s completely different and we only get 20 minutes in the morning. I’m used to hitting for 30 or 45 in the morning, so I’m definitely fresh and I’m very excited. 

“I’ve never been in the semi-finals here before, so it’s a big chance and I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow.” 

Result: [4] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [8] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) 2-0: 11-9, 11-6 (25m)