Wednesday, 24 January 2018

Chung beats Sandgren - into final 4

Match two on RLA on Day Ten was the unexpected quarter final between unseeded pair Hyeon Chung and Tennys Sandgren.

The two have provided excitement for fans, knocking out far more highly credentialed players en route to the final eight.

Chung is a member of the new brigade and is predicted by those that should know for top ten status before long.

Sandgren is 26 and for the first years of his career he stayed on the Challenger circuit.

He took to the ATP tour somewhat recently, and the Grand Slam events also.

He recorded a win over Nick Kyrgios in Washington last year.

Sandgren lost In qualifying in Auckland this year (how things have changed in a matter of weeks) but won a spot in the main draw as a lucky loser.

He lost in the first round to his opponent today, Hyeon Chung.

Sandgren opened with a love service game.

Chung levelled then broke the American serve, Sandgren not helping with a double fault.

Down two break points himself, Chung saved those and finally held serve to lead 3-1.

Sandgren also saved two break points on the way to holding for 2-3.

Chung’s service hold featured an ace and a winning forehand.

At 5-4, and serving for the set, Chung forced Sandgren into error, bringing up three set points.

Only one was needed.

6-4 Chung.

In set two Chung brought up break point in the first game with a clean winner and broke Sandgren to lead 1-0.

Holding serve, the Korean lead doubled to 2-0.

Sandgren hit a pair of aces as he held serve for 1-2.

Forehand errors from Chung and he was broken back. 2-2.

Serves were held until Chung lost his at 3-4, thanks to two loose forehands at the end of the game.

Sandgren did likewise, throwing forehand mistakes in to drop serve and lead 5-4.

Chung held serve for 5-5, despite a double fault.

Three forehand winners highlighted Sandgren’s service game which he won. 6-5

Winners from either side and Chung won his way into a tie break.

First two points against the serve. Then Chung won the next for 2-1.

3-2 and mini break to the Korean.

A loose forehand from Korean and 3-3.

4-3 on serve. Serve volley winning the next two for Sandgren and 5-4.

5-5 with Chung serving. A shank shot from Sandgren and serving to stay in the set at 5-6.

A backhand hit long and Chung won the day.

Korea’s current favourite son led 6-4 7-6(5).

Quick fire service holds had the pair at 1-1, two winners from Chung and two aces from Sandgren highlights.

Chung lost three points in succession from 30-0 to face break point, saved that and another, then won the game with an ace. 2-1.

Despite an early ace, American errors had Sandgren facing two break points.  

The fifth break point was converted and Chung led 3-1.

Chung won his next game to love, signed off with two aces. 4-1.

5-2 after another Chung game to love, an ace and two winners included.

Match point after Sandgren netted a shot at 30-30.

Saved.

Sandgren held serve and Chung served for a semi final spot at 5-3.

In the final game Chung won the first three points to set up three match points.

Those were saved by Sandgren who created two break points in a game lasting nine minutes.

Finally Chung managed to convert a fifth match point.

Incredible game with Sandgren showing all the defence you could want before Chung finally won through 6-4 7-6 (5) 6-3.

Chung will play the winner of Roger Federer (2) and Tomas Berdych (19).

Tennys Sandgren will see a ranking change from 97 to 55.

His previous career high was 85.

Hyeon Chung has moved from 58 to a live ranking of 29. His previous career high ranking was 44.

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