Qualifier Jason Jung on Tuesday stunned former world No. 5 Kevin Anderson in the first round at the New York Open, an event at which the world No. 131 -— who was born in Torrance, California, but represents Taiwan — has earned three of his five ATP Tour victories.
Jung saved a set point on his way to a 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 victory over the South African, now ranked 120th after suffering an injury-ravaged season last year.
Jung converted two of five break points and won 94 percent of points on his first service to wrap up the victory in 1 hour, 28 minutes.
“I guess I like these courts. It’s always nice to get a big win and gives [me] a little confidence boost, so hopefully I can build on that. I’m just really happy,” Jung told the ATP Web site.
“Obviously, Kevin is coming back, but he’s been in two Grand Slam finals. Great confidence for me and hopefully this translates into 2020... It’s been a long journey for me and I’m just trying to enjoy every moment that I can,” Jung added.
Jung next faces British seventh seed Cameron Norrie, who defeated American wild-card Brian Shi 7-5, 6-3.
THAILAND OPEN
Taiwanese qualifier Liang En-shuo yesterday forced Chinese fourth seed Zheng Saisai to battle all the way to a 6-4, 6-3 victory in the second round of the singles at the Thailand Open.
Liang, the Australian Open girls’ singles and doubles champion in 2018 and ranked No. 238, had advanced after a 6-3, 6-0 defeat of China’s Wang Xinyu in the first round on Monday, but world No. 36 Zheng proved too tough a prospect for the 19-year-old in Hua Hin.
In the first round of the doubles, Taiwan’s Hsieh Yu-chieh and Ulrikke Eikeri of Norway fell to a 6-2, 6-0 defeat to Barbara Haas of Austria and Ellen Perez of Australia in 48 minutes.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
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Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and