The Canada Open is now in full swing. And we have had our first big upset of the tournament.
Germany’s Fabienne Deprez was coming into this tournament in decent form, with a good semi-final run at the Azerbaijan Open. However, the first-round opponent in Kim Ga Eun was another step-up. Kim climbed the rankings to 34 in the world, over 40 places ahead of Deprez, and as the number three seed in Canada, would have been looking to reach the latter stages.
However, it wasn’t to be for the South Korean, as Deprez put up a huge effort taking the match all the way to settings in the third game. Especially incredible was the response when losing the first game 21-19, after being 19-16 up! Kim surging to 21 with 5 consecutive points. This would have thrown many players.
Déjà vu in the second game
After a tight start to the second game, unbelievably, this time Kim found herself 19-15 up and seemingly in full control of the match. But Deprez found something extra and with a déjà vu feeling stormed to 21 with 6 straight points, taking the match to a decider.
Obviously energised by the second game, Deprez took control of the final game and led all the way. At one point having a 6-point lead. But Kim clawed her way back, even saving 2 match points to make it 20 all. But Deprez held her composure and got the 22-20 win she thoroughly deserved. After the match Deprez said
-What a fight today. It was a tough match but I’m ready for tomorrow.
In the second round Deprez will face Australian Hsuan-Yu Wendu Chen, whom she has faced twice before in her career. And with 2 straight game victories, one eye may already be on the quarter final.