ITTF World Championships Finals 2024 Day 5 Follow the action here as it happens live!
Written by I Dig SportsHeres How the Groups Look Like Heading into Day 5
Mens Teams:
In Group 1, its no surprise that World No.1 Team China secured the top spot with a flawless record, earning themselves a well-deserved rest day. Croatia secured the second spot and will face Cuba in their final match. All eyes are now on Belgium and Hungary as they engage in a crucial showdown for a place in the knockout.
Over in Group 2, Germany secured their spot in the round of 16 after winning all matches, while the battle intensifies for the remaining slots. Team USAs upset over England adds unpredictability to the mix, setting the stage for a tense matchup against Kazakstan. Meanwhile, England faces Saudi Arabia in a bid to stay in contention.
In Group 3, Hosts Korea Republic effortlessly sailed through to the round of 16 with a 4/0 record. Poland eyes the second slot, with India closely trailing behind. Chile faces an uphill battle against Team Poland to disrupt the standings.
France dominates Group 4 with a flawless 4/0 record, leaving Denmark and Austria to determine their respective standings in a head-to-head clash.
In Group 5, Team Japans quest for a higher medal continues as they top the group without a loss. Chinese Taipei and Czechia are expected to secure the remaining slots unless Madagascar surprises with a headline-making upset.
Sweden enjoys a day off in Group 6, already securing their spot in the round of 16. Hong Kong, China, and Serbia battle it out for second and third place.
Group 7 sees Slovenia clinching the top spot, while Brazil awaits the outcome of the clash between Singapore and Canada. A potential upset by Canada could result in a three-way tiebreaker.
Portugal topped Group 8 with a perfect 4/0 record. Iran and Romania vie for the remaining spots, aiming for a favourable knockout draw position.
Womens Teams:
In Group 1, Chinas early scare didnt hinder their 4/0 topping performance. Team India faces Spain with their progression fate in their hands, while Hungary eyes the third spot. Its up to Spain to bring the heat if any surprises are to unfold.
Group 2 sees Japan securing the top spot, while Luxembourgs fate hangs in the balance with a potential 2/2 record. The spotlight shifts to Team Brazil and Iran, with Brazil looking to secure their progression with a win against a resilient Iranian squad.
Germany and Poland secure the top two positions in Group 3, leaving Slovak Republic and Mexico to compete for the last remaining knockout ticket.
Chinese Taipeis clean sheet in Group 4 secures their spot in the round of 16. Thailand and Chile aim to determine their finishing positions in their upcoming clash.
In Group 5, Korea Republic have secured their spot in the knockout with a number one standing in the group, Puerto Rico take on Cuba and are by ranking likely to finish up 2/2 barring any shocks. That puts the ball in Italy and Malaysias court. A win for Team Italy will likely sure up both their and Puerto Ricos places. But should Malaysia claim an upset, then a three-way countback may be needed to determine who moves through.
Hong Kong, China have also secured their top position in Group 6, while Portugal and Austria aim to secure second and third positions.
Romania and Sweden solidify their knockout appearances in Group 7, with Serbia and Singapore competing for the final spot in the final 24.
Group 8 has a lot in store and promises a lot of excitement, with France guaranteed to progress but facing uncertainty regarding their finishing position. Egypt, Croatia, and Ukraine remain in contention, with potential countbacks shaping the outcome.