Pitchford signals intent, Uda responds

Just like the previous semi-final, Yukiya Uda’s encounter with Liam Pitchford has got off to a tantilising start here in Budapest.

Both players out of the gates quickly Pitchford’s experience shines through in the opening game as he holds his nerve to edge in front (13-11), but it doesn’t take Uda long to respond and what a response it was with the young Japanese star claiming back-to-back games (11-8, 11-5).

Commanding victory goes Harimoto’s way

And that’s it! Harimoto is the first name through to the men’s singles gold medal match after successfully completing a commanding 4-0 victory over Ovtcharov (11-9, 11-8, 11-4, 11-8).

Providing the opposition in the final will be one of Japan’s Yukiya Uda or England’s Liam Pitchford who meet in the second semi-final coming shortly.

Dima fails to capitalise

Holding an 8-2 lead in game two, Dimitrij Ovtcharov needs just three points to level the match but doesn’t convert as Harimoto recovers nine of the next 10 points (11-9) to extend his lead to 2-0. Another strong display in game three (11-4) sees the Japanese teenager edge ever closer to the men’s singles final.

Harimoto moves into early lead

Only one game has been contested so far but Tomokazu Harimoto is celebrating as though he has just won the match as he take an important one-game lead (11-9). Both players close to the table and aiming to finish the rallies early, an exciting start to the day’s opening fixture.

Final day schedule

The final day of play has arrived – who will leave Budapest with the singles honours?