Neslihan Yigit Clinches Victory Against Mette Poulsen in Thrilling Match at Giraldilla International
In a enthralling battle, Neslihan Yigit outclassed Denmark’s Mette Poulsen, taking the match 21-16, 19-21, 20-12 in the Mixed Doubles event at the Giraldilla International on September 29, 2017.
Yigit Dominates Early On
The first game was a one-sided affair, with Yigit, a Turkish player, leading from start to finish. She took an early lead of 5-2 after the initial racing points and never looked back. Poulsen tried to stage a comeback, but it wasn’t enough as Yigit sealed the game 21-16.
Poulsen Fights Back
Poulsen wasn’t ready to go down without a fight. In the second game, she reversed the momentum, taking a 10-8 lead at the break. As the game progressed, Poulsen held her composure, clinching it 21-19 to level the match.
Yigit’s Tenacity secures Victory
In the deciding game, Yigit drew first blood, racing to a 5-2 lead. She continued to control the game, with Poulsen struggling to keep up. Despite Poulsen’s best efforts, Yigit maintained her lead, securing the game 20-12 and ultimately the match.
"This was a real test," Yigit said afterward. "Mette is a tough opponent, and I’m glad I could pull through."
**Match Summary**
- **Game 1:** Yigit won **21-16**
- **Game 2:** Poulsen won **21-19**
- **Game 3:** Yigit won **20-12**
**Key Moments**
- Yigit’s Race to 5 Points: She led **5-2** early on, indicating her dominance.
- Poulsen’s Comeback in Game 2: She was up **10-8** at the break, showing her resilience.
- Yigit’s Control in Game 3: She maintained a consistent lead throughout, finishing **20-12**
**Pro Tip**
Yigit’s strategy of maintaining a steady lead and not letting Poulsen get back into the game was key to her victory. Consistency is crucial in badminton, especially in deciding games.
**Did You Know?**
The Giraldilla International is a BWF International Challenge tournament held annually in Havana, Cuba.