Kitakyushu, Japan. Chinese paddlers faced an early exit on Wednesday, the first day of the 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) Finals in Fukuoka, Japan.
In the main match of men’s singles category, Liang Jingkun faced Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto. Harimoto won the first set 11-7 and then strengthened his lead by winning the second set 11-6. Although Liang came back to lead 11-9 in the third set, Harimoto sealed his victory by winning 12-10 in the fourth set.
After registering the win, Harimoto said, “Facing a seeded opponent, I knew it would be tough. After falling behind in the beginning, I focused on taking it point by point. I am determined to win this title, especially because it is the last tournament of the year.”
Another Chinese competitor, Lin Gaoyuan, suffered a 0-3 defeat to Slovenia’s Darko Jorgic, ending his campaign prematurely.
In women’s singles, China’s Qian Tianyi and Wang Yidi both advanced. Qian defeated Adriana Diaz of Puerto Rico in straight sets, while Wang defeated Cheng I-ching of Chinese Taipei 3–1.
But China also saw a big upset in the doubles events.
In men’s doubles, China’s Jiang Peng and Yuan Lisen lost 0-3 to Singapore’s Pang Yu En Koen/Izaak Kwek in the quarterfinals.
In women’s doubles, China’s top seeds Sun Yingsha and Wang Yidi were defeated 1-3 by Japan’s defensive pair Hitomi Sato and Honoka Hashimoto, while Korea’s world No. 1 pair Shin Yu-bin and Jeon Ji-hee also lost to Japan. Sakura was eliminated after losing 0–3 to Yokoi and Satsuki Oedo.
The WTT Finals will run from November 20 to 24.
