Brilliant Hursey sets up clash with world No 4

September 29, 2025 | Paul Stimpson

GB’s Anna Hursey overcame higher-ranked Jieni Shao to set up a clash with world No 4 Kuai Man at the China Smash.

The Welsh youngster (WR 76) stayed on the roll she built up over three qualifying rounds as she came from behind against her Portuguese opponent Shao (WR 56).

It was Shao who made the stronger start, opening up an 8-3 lead and, although Hursey won six points on the spin, Shao found the end-of-game momentum to take it 11-9.

Hursey (pictured above with coach John Murphy) came storming back to take the second 11-5, winning the first three points of the game and pulling steadily clear, and there was a similar pattern in the third, which she led 5-1 and 8-2 and went on to win 11-7.

The start of the fourth was tighter, but Hursey was only behind for one point and four successive points from 6-5 gave her five match points – she only needed two.

Hursey is guaranteed 90 world ranking points for reaching the last 32. Fourth seed and world No 4 Kuai, on home soil, will be a different prospect – but equally will be wary of Hursey’s quality.

The time of the match is yet to be confirmed. Follow the event on the WTT YouTube channel.

Result

Women’s Singles
Round of 64
Anna Hursey (WAL) bt Jieni Shao (POR) 3-1 (9-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-6)

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