Speedy Asians progress in style

Japan’s Yukiya Uda and Kazuhiro Yoshimura were almost in a rush, when they beat Belgians Martin Allegro and Florent Lambiet in less than 19 minutes (11-8, 11-7, 13-11).

Their Korean compatriots almost did one better, wrapping up their match against host nation’s Teodor Alexandrov and Denislav Kodjabashev in 18 minutes, with a resounding win in the final game (11-5, 11-7, 11-1).

Koreans fail to spoil China party

South Korea’s Jeon Jihee and Yang Haeun came very close to spoiling an early morning party for the Chinese, as Gu Yuting and Mu Zi saw off their challenge in five games (7-11, 11-7, 11-13, 16-14, 11-8).

It was an impressive display of character from Gu and Mu, coming back to win after being 1-2 down during the match. Meanwhile, the other Chinese pairing of Chen Xingtong and Li Jiayi had a simpler day at the office, needing only three games to move to the semi-finals, after defeating Romanians Daniela Monteiro Dodean and Elizabeta Samara (11-6, 12-10, 11-8).

Powerful start for the Japanese duo

Jun Mizutani and Mima Ito started the day here Bulgaria with a powerful, yet close win over Austrians Stefan Fegerl and Sofia Polcanova (11-6, 10-12, 11-8, 7-11, 11-3).

The Japanese duo were pushed at every alternate game, but kept up their pressure to come out on top. Mizutani and Ito will be pleased with this, given how close the Austrians came to causing an upset.

And the main stages continue!

Catch all the live scores and upsets, here: