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BEIJING, Oct. 6 (Xinhuanet) – Action from right here in Beijing, where this country's top male player Zhang Ze was in action in the first round of the China Open. The youngster earned a gold medal in China's National Games, so playing on home soil could benefit him.
The 25-year old was playing Denis Istomin, the Uzbek won their two previous meetings. But Zhang would start strong and lead 2-1 as his opponent hits the net.
Already up a break the Chinese continues to play well and controls this rally and wins the point with a forehand winner. And a forehand crosscourt winner helps him stake a 4-1 lead. And when Istomin hits the net Zhang takes the opening set 6-3.
In the second set, the Uzbek would improve his play and takes charge. And unforced errors from Zhang, allowed Istomin to grab the frame 6-1 and force a decider.
In the third set, Zhang is broken in the opening service game, and falls behind two-love as he cannot control this serve.
The Chinese player would find his game though, and with the support of the home crowd would play better and a heavy forehand winner helps turn the tide.
Zhang would win four of the next five games to go in front, and then shows off his quickness to earn this point with a smash to go in front 5-3. And he would serve the match at love when Istomin finds the net. 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, is the final, and Zhang is into the next round, where he will most likely meet top seed Novak Djokovic.
"I am very confident when I compete in the China Open every year. I perform well here. It's a blessed place for me. I have prepared well for the match. Istomin is not a stranger for me, we have played each other twice in Davis Cup. I lost those matches after winning the first set. I watched the videos of him and knew his tactics," he said.
(Source: CNTV)
