Narrow decisions

Brazil’s Gui Lin and DPR Korea’s Kim Junju won the closest matches of the round, both succeeded in seven game encounters.

Gui Lin beat Chinese Taipei’s Cheng Yin-Chen (5-11, 11-3, 11-9, 6-11, 6-11, 12-10, 11-9): Kim Junju eventually overcame Japan’s Maki Shiomi (11-13, 11-8, 6-11, 11-5, 14-12, 12-14, 11-5).

World junior champion thoroughly efficient

Winner of the girls’ singles title at the 2018 World Junior Championships in Bendigo, the host nation’s Qian Tianyi made a most impressive start to her campaign. She beat Hong Kong’s Li Ching Wan in straight games (11-5, 11-6, 11-6, 11-4).

Also most imposing was DPR Korea’s Cha Su Yong; she accounted for Spain’s Galia Dvorak in a similar manner (11-9, 11-5, 11-4, 12-10).

Successful start for Chiang Hung-Chieh

Married to Ai Fukuhara, a family man with two children, Chinese Taipei’s Chiang Hung-Chieh made a successful start to his campaign; he recorded and opening round win against Hong Kong’s Kwan Man Ho (11-3, 9-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-6).

“I have not played World Tour for quite a long time; this was my first match here and I think I was a bit unable to catch the match rhythm. I have a different feeling in training than when competing. I still need some time to get used to the match rhythm. Ai just told me to play my best. She did not say that “you have to win” or something. She let me to relax and enjoy the match. Now, I spent half of my time on family and half on training. If I stay at home, then I will do home stuff; if I go to training, then I will focus on training.” Chiang Hung-Chieh

Back to earth

The runner up two days ago in Bangkok at the Seamaster 2019 ITTF Challenge Thailand Open it was back down to earth for the Korea Republic’s Seo Hyundoek. In the opening round he was beaten by Portugal’s Diogo Carvalho (9-11, 3-11, 11-8, 11-4, 4-11, 11-5, 11-6).

Likewise there was defeat for colleague Kang Dongsoo, he was beaten by Brazil’s Vitor Ishiy (11-7, 11-6, 13-11, 15-13). Disappointment for the Korea Republic but there was success; Hwang Minha beat Senegal’s Ibrahim Diaw (11-4, 10-12, 11-8, 7-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-6).

Seamaster 2019 ITTF World Tour Platinum China Open: Monday 13th June: Schedule of Play – Tuesday 28th & Wednesday 29th May