Tomokazu Harimoto is out!

It’s an opening round exit for Tomokazu Harimoto in Johor Bahru following a six games defeat at the hands of Wong Chun Ting.

The youngest player at the event Harimoto found himself 3-1 down before Fast5 kicked in, reducing the target from 11 points to five. Harimoto fought back with a successful game five but there was to be no repeat in game six as Wong completed the upset by a 4-2 margin (11-9, 6-11, 11-10, 11-5, 2-5, 5-3).

Current World no.1 topples former World no.1

The in form player in recent weeks, current World no.1 Xu Xin has beaten former World no.1 Dimitrij Ovtcharov in an exciting contest on Match Day 1.

Germany’s Ovtcharov gave a good account of himself but was simply outclassed across the opening three games. In game four Xu recovered from 7-9 down on the scoreboard, claiming four points in a row to seal the win (11-5, 11-8, 11-7, 11-9) – can anyone stop the “Cloud Walker” in Johor Bahru?

Chen Szu-Yu blown away

Hoping for a colossal upset in the Round of 16 but Chen Szu-Yu has missed out on achieve that feat with the Chinese Taipei competitor falling at the hands of Chinese teenage ace Sun Yingsha.

Dominant from start to finish Sun was just too quick for her opponent and was rarely troubled in the match, getting the job done in straight games before the expiration of the 24 minute countdown clock (11-6, 11-8, 11-3, 11-5). Either one of Zhu Yuling or Kasumi Ishikawa awaits Sun in the quarterfinals.

Comprehensive victory for Wang Manyu

China’s Wang Manyu has opened her account with a breathtaking performance against Austrian opponent Sofia Polcanova in the first fixture of the second session.

The opening game was a delight to watch with both players pushing themselves to the limit, Wang edged it by just a single point! From that point onward it was one-way traffic: Wang’s serve proved problematic for Polcanova and the next three games went to the Chinese player in the first match not to require Fast5 (11-10, 11-7, 11-3, 11-5).

Ma Long rolls on

French Simon Gauzy was hit by a Chinese storm started by the Dragon himself,  as Ma Long strolled to the quarterfinals after winning 4:1 (11-7, 11-9, 11-4, 6-11, 5-0).

The first three games were classic Ma, giving Simon no room to exploit as the Chinese won them consecutively. Simon hit back in the fourth and that itself would be a high consolation for the Frenchman. FAST5 was enacted and Ma was equally fast in wrapping up the match and any expectations of a comeback.

Japanese derby results in fireworks

Tight, tense and tough-that’s the only way you can describe the match between Japan’s Miyu Kato Mima Ito. In the first clash to go to a decider here in Johor Bahru, it was truly a sight to behold.

The young Japanese started better, with Mima taking the first game with quick fire returns. However, it was clear that Miyu knew to use her patience which led to a brilliant thrid game lasting 8 minutes and 38 seconds. This meant the onset of Fast5 for the last three games, two of which Mima sped through. Finally, the elder of the two Japanese athletes carefully saw to her victory with a clinching serve and made her way to the quarterfinals (4-11, 11-4, 11-10, 11-4, 1-5, 1-5, 5-4).

Chen pushed but not defeated

The World #1 Chen Meng had a difficult start to her T2 campaign as she was pushed hard for a quarterfinal slot by Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem (11-5, 11-10, 7-11, 11-2, 1-5, 5-3).

In a competition all about time, two nearly 8 minute games meant there would be an early onset of the FAST5 rule. China’s Chen had secured a 3-1 lead by then, however Doo had no plans to let up. Winning the first of the FAST5 games 5-1, even Chen was surprised by the sudden push in her opponent’s play. Finally, the service of Chen stood out and allowed her to see the match through in a fairly difficult last game.

Lin wins

The first match of T2 Diamond Series lived up to its billing as two elite Chinese athletes clashed in a quick fire match at the Johor Bahru. Lin Gaoyuan was up against in-form 19 year old Wang Chuqin, who took the first game 11-8.

Coming from behind, Lin slowed the match down with a 7-minute game to level the scores and then rushed to take the lead 3 games to 1. By this time, the 24 minute timer had gone and the first FAST5 game also happened to be the last one. Despite his best efforts, Wang could not stop his experienced compatriot and eventually lost at the last hurdle (8-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-7, 5-4).

Let the show begin!

Here we go! It’s time to get excited with Match Day 1 now underway in Johor Bahru – take a look at the day’s fixture schedule and watch along live:

Get ready for T2 Diamond

Before the action commences make sure to grab a quick glance at what’s coming your way across the next four days of T2 Diamond Malaysia: