Source:REUTERS/IVAN ALVARADO
[Saba Sports News] In the women’s singles
quarterfinals of the Super 1000 Series All England Open, Japanese star
Yamaguchi Akane defeated Indian player Gregoria Mariska Tunjung 2-1. However,
during a critical point in the game, Mariska was suspected of being affected by
the flash photography from the audience. This interruption caused her to stop
her action, resulting in a missed hit and the loss of points. Mariska informed
the referee about the flash interference, requesting a ball re-serve, but her
plea was disregarded. Ultimately, Mariska lost the game due to this off-court
factor, and Yamaguchi Akane advanced to the women’s singles semifinals. Mariska
was deeply saddened and cried after the match, finding it difficult to calm
down. Yamaguchi Akane approached her opponent to offer comfort. In a post-match
interview, Yamaguchi Akane expressed sympathy for Mariska’s situation and
criticized the selfish behavior of the audience. The officials of the All
England Open also posted on social media, stating that the use of flashlights
is prohibited during the competition. Some fans remarked that the restoration
of the score and the ultimate winner are not the key issues. Instead, players
are encouraged to pursue every point and never give up until the end, as this
embodies the true spirit of sportsmanship.