Golden selfies

Gold for An Ji Song

The men’s singles title has been awarded to An Ji Song after the second seed from DPR Korea held off a brave challenge from qualifier Kim Song Il.

In a fascinating duel, there was nothing between the two players by the conclusion of game four with the scoreboard sitting level at 2-2. But, An found his rhythm at exactly the right moment, prevailing in games five and six to complete a 4-2 victory (11-9, 9-11, 11-4, 10-12, 12-10, 11-4).

Four in a row for Kim Song I

Kim Song I has once again taken the top prize in the women’s singles draw following a fine display against Pyon Song Gyong in the gold medal contest.

Both players started the match as they meant to go on with very little separating the two: top seed Kim edged the opening two games by the narrowest of margins before Pyon, seeded sixth, hit back in game three. Leading 2-1 Kim began to ramp up the pressure on her opponent, coming out on top in the next two games to secure the title for the fourth consecutive year (14-12, 13-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9).

End-to-end contest

Ham Yu Song and Ri Kwang Myong have been crowned men’s doubles champions at the Seamaster 2019 ITTF Challenge Plus Pyongyang Open following an intense all-DPR Korea final.

Enjoying the stronger start Ham and Ri looked set to get the job done in quick fashion, claiming the opening two games to move ever closer to the title. However, opponents An Ji Song and Ro Hyon Song responded with back-to-back game successes to take the match into a decider. Holding their nerve Ham and Ri found the winning formula in game seven to lift the trophy (17-15, 11-5, 10-12, 7-11, 11-7).

Champions again

Reaching the top step of the podium last year in Pyongyang, the host nation’s Cha Hyo Sim and Kim Nam Hae have collected the women’s doubles trophy for the second year running.

Taking on Norway’s Ilka Doval and DPR Korea’s Ri Hyon Sim at the final hurdle, Cha and Kim needed just three games to seal an emphatic victory over the mixed association pair (11-9, 11-7, 11-9).

Amir’s best efforts not enough

Iran’s Amir Hossein Hodaei could not upset the DPR Korea domination here in Pyongyang as An Ji Song swiftly made it to an all-hosts final.

Both athletes exhibited great handwork with the forehand and backhand returns, making for an interesting match overall. An Ji was much better overall, taking control of the game early on and did not let the Iranian settle at all. With a 4-1 win in hand, An will face Kim Song II in the final later today.

Kim and Ham play out a classic

In what was probably the match of the tournament, Kim Song II and Ham Yu Song played out a classic for table tennis fans around the world. The host nation’s athletes were neck and neck at every step of the way, till the decider in the seventh game.

It was an extremely highly quality game from the start, involving lasting-and gasp inducing-rallies at every other point played. The match went from 2-2 to 3-3 without any indication as to who would finally get the better of the other. Kim needed a very delicate shot at the end to claim the win, and reach the final after an epic encounter. (4-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-9, 6-11, 11-3, 13-11)

Pyon sets sights on another Gold

Under 21 women’s singles winner Pyon Song Gyong will want to make it a full set as she contests the seniors final later today, after defeating her DPR Korea compatriot Kim Nam Hae 4-1 (20-18, 11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 11-5).

Much was expected from the youngster Pyon, however Kim was the favorite going into this match-up. The first game itself was played over 38 points, where Pyon came out on top after some amazing shot play from both athletes. From thereon, Kim could not recover in time and ended up losing out on a spot in the final.

Mission very much possible for Kim

Kim Song I is on a mission, and it looks like nothing will stop her. The DPR Korean athlete was up against her national colleague Kim Jin Hyang in a bid to reach consecutive finals in Pyongyang.

The defending Champion Kim Song I needed six games to deal with the every posing threat of Kim Jin Hyang. The points were fought with vigor from both ends, even at the end when it was clear there was only one winner in this battle that ended 4-2 (11-5, 10-12, 11-3, 8-11, 11-2, 12-10).

Final day in Pyongyang

Grab a look at the fixture schedule for the final day of play and make sure to watch along live with itTV: