Table Tennis at Paris 2024: Follow the Action from Day 2!
Written by I Dig SportsCongos Saheed Idowu Bows Out After Stunning Maiden Performance
Saheed Idowu has captured the hearts of the fans with a performance for the ages. The 34-year-old Olympian, competing in his first Games, pushed World No. 25 Anton Kallberg to the brink of defeat in a thrilling seven-game encounter. From 3-1 down, Idowu produced a series of breathtaking shots to level the match, igniting the crowd at the South Paris Arena. However, Kallbergs unwavering determination and refusal to give up ultimately proved decisive, as the Swede fought back to secure a hard-earned victory. Both players delivered a thrilling match, with Idowu becoming a national hero who certainly gained new fans here in Paris, while Kallberg demonstrated his immense resilience, and will now face the winner of Felix Lebrun and Harmeet Desai.
Hayata Rebounds Strongly in Singles
Hina Hayata has bounced back from yesterdays mixed doubles disappointment with a dominant 4-0 victory over Italys Debora Vivarelli. The Japanese star, making her Olympic debut, is considered a strong medal contender and has started her campaign in impressive fashion. Hayata will now await her next opponent in the Round of 32.
Wang Chuqin Storms Back to Win on Debut
World No. 1 Wang Chuqin has made a winning start to his Olympic singles campaign, defeating Yang Wang 4-1. Despite dropping the opening game, Chuqin quickly found his rhythm and dominated proceedings, showcasing impressive receiving skills that yielded 64% of the points from his opponents serve. The top seed will face a stern test in the next round against Truls Moregard.
Sreeja Akula Flies the Flag for Rising India
Sreeja Akula has made a dream start to her Olympic journey, showcasing Indias burgeoning table tennis talent with a dominant 4-0 victory over Swedens Christina Kallberg. The Indian stars recent impressive form has translated seamlessly to the Olympic stage, setting the scene for exciting battles to come. As she progresses to the next round against either Zeng Jian or Ivana Malobabic, the nation will be eagerly watching.
Kanak Jha Causes Major Upset, Defeats World No. 20
Kanak Jha has produced a major upset, defeating World No. 20 Cho Daeseong 4-2 in the Mens Singles Round of 64. The Americans counter-attacking style proved too much for the big-hitting Korean, as the crowd erupted in celebration for the homegrown talent. Jha will now look to build on this momentum as he progresses to the next round.
Omar Assar Too Strong for History-Making Rakotoarimanana
Egypts Omar Assar has advanced to the next round after a 4-1 victory over Madagascars Fabio Rakotoarimanana. Rakotoarimanana, who made history as his countrys first-ever table tennis Olympian and was also the flag bearer, gave a valiant performance, even managing to claim one game against the experienced Assar. However, the four-time Olympian proved too strong in the end.
Sun Yingsha Starts with a Bang
Day two of the Paris Olympics has kicked off with a dominant performance from world number one Sun Yingsha. The Chinese superstar secured the first win of the day, sweeping aside Brazilian debutante Giulia Takahashi 4-0. As she chases her elusive singles gold medal to complete a career Grand Slam, Sun Yingsha has sent a clear message to her rivals: she means business.
Top Seed kickoffs Day 2
Day 2 of Table Tennis at Paris 2024 is underway with Womens top seed, Sun Yingsha of China, taking on the rising Brazilian, Giulia Takahashi. Meanwhile fifth seed, Bernadette Szocs is up against Singapores debutant, Zhou Jingyi, while USAs Kanak Jha is battling it out with Cho Daeseong! Taking up the last table is Omar Assar and Madagascars pride, Fabio Rakotoarimanana who has become his nations first table tennis player to compete at the Olympics.