Watanabe Dashes Home Hopes With Clinical Performance

There was to be no repeat of yesterday’s comeback drama for Japan’s No.4 seed Satomi Watanabe as she totally dominated her match against Jasmine Hutton to end British interest in the tournament.

Taking control from the outset, and firing in winners apparently at will, the World No.19 was completely in charge from start to finish with World No.24 Hutton never able to make an impression for more than a rally or two at a time.

The Japanese player took three comfortable games 11-5, 11-4, 11-2 to book her spot in the final to face No.1 seed Nele Gilis.

“It was a really scrappy match yesterday,” said Watanabe after the match. “When I got back to my room I watched what I did wrong yesterday. Today, my mind was more clear on what I needed to do, what I’m not supposed to do. I think it helped me and really pleased with the performance today.

“She’s obviously a very attacking player. I knew she was going to hunt for the volley in every single shot if I gave her the any loose balls so I was trying to keep it away from her. Even if she was trying to volley, she had to stretch to do it and that was my target and I think it worked well today.

“I think everyone knows how good [Nele] is. I’ve just lost to her in Chicago. This time I hope I can give everything and have a good game against her.”

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Results: Optasia Championships 2024 Semi-Finals
[4] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt [6] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) 3-0: 11-5, 11-4, 11-2 (22m)