In the women’s singles event after overcoming Croatia’s Mateja Jeger (11-9, 11-6, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7), Natalia Partyka was beaten by Thailand’s Suthasini Sawettabut, the no.23 seed (11-8, 11-4, 11-8, 11-8).

The defeat came after an exit in the women’s doubles event when partnering colleague Natalia Bajor and in the mixed doubles in harness with Jakub Dyjas. In the former, after overcoming Iran’s Mahshid Ashtari and Neda Shahsavari (11-7, 11-8, 11-4, 11-4), it was farewell at the hands of Korea Republic’s Jeon Jihee and Lee Zion (11-8, 12-10, 11-8, 11-6).  Similarly in the mixed doubles, having qualified for the main draw by beating Callum Evans and Charlotte Carey of Wales (11-6, 11-8, 11-7), it was a first round defeat at the hands of the United States partnership formed by Kanak Jha and Wu Yue (12-10, 11-3, 11-5, 2-11, 14-16, 11-2).

Meanwhile, for Melissa Tapper, it was farewell in the group stage of the women’s singles event, as it was in the men’s singles for Patryk Chojnowski, Filip Radovic and Joshua Stacey.

Likewise in the women’s doubles, it was a first round departure for Melissa Tapper in partnership with Michelle Bromley; they suffered at the hands of Italy’s Chiara Colantoni and Giorgia Piccolin (11-5, 15-13, 11-8, 11-3). A first round main draw farewell, it was for Melissa Tapper no different in the mixed doubles when partnering Heming Hu; the duo experienced defeat at the hands of the Czech Republic’s Tomas Polansky and Hana Matelova (8-11, 11-9, 1-7, 10-12, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6).

No major upsets, the surprise was the loss experienced by Patryk Chojnowski in partnerships with Jakub Dyjas; the duo experienced defeat in the second preliminary round at the hands of Venezuela’s Cecilio Correa and Jan Medina (11-5, 11-6, 11-7).

A surprise exit, for Joshua Stacey partnering Callum Evans in the men’s doubles they nearly caused a minor upset, they came so close against Jordan’s Zaid Abo Yaman and Zeyadd Aldmaisy (9-11, 10-12, 11-8, 11-9, 13-11). Rather differently for Filip Radovic in harness with Filip Radunovic. it was a straight games qualification defeat when opposing Slovenia’s Darko Jorgic and Jan Zibrat (11-2, 12-10, 11-8).

Qualification round defeats, it was the same in the mixed doubles for Joshua Stacey and Filip Radovic. Partnering Anna Hursey, for Joshua Stacey it was defeat when facing Kazakhstan’s Kirill Gerassimenko and Zaura Akasheva (8-11, 11-4, 11-7, 13-15, 11-3); for Filip Radovic in harness with Ivona Petric, it was a reverse when opposing DPR Kore’s An Ji Song and Kim Nam Hae (11-5, 11-6, 11-6).

Joshua Stacey is a class 9 player as opposed to Natalia Partyka, Melissa Tapper, Patryk Chojnowski and Filip Radovic who are all class 10.

Latin American continent believes

Stopped in round three in 2017 when the World Championships were staged in Düsseldorf, but two years later Hugo Calderano has surpassed that feat. The no.7 seed from Brazil accounted for the ever-improving Sathiyan Gnanasekaran by a 4-0 margin (11-6, 11-3, 11-9, 11-9) to set up a Round of 16 meeting with Ma Long.

“I made a good start, I gave him no chances. He’s a good player, he can adapt and he did start to play better but fortunately I was able to stay on top.” Hugo Calderano

Qualifier continues fantastic run

An Jaehyun remains in the men’s singles race after knocking out another seeded opponent in Budapest: the Korean player came through a difficult battle against no.25 seed Daniel Habesohn in round three but eventually got the job done across six games (10-12, 11-6, 11-8, 12-14, 11-3, 11-4).

Defeated, Xu Xin reacts

Following his shock defeat Xu Xin has reflected on the match:

“I made some errors when carrying out the tactics, especially when I led 8-3 in the fifth game. Simon has always been one of our opponents his playing style is very stable and he played very very aggressively today. He used spins quiet well in this match. There was nothing wrong related to my body condition, it was all because of my mentality.” Xu Xin

XU XIN FALLS!!!

The crowd are on their feet as France’s Simon Gauzy embraces coach Patrick Chila after claiming a massive upset, eliminating second seed Xu Xin in a breathtaking encounter. Producing some of his finest table tennis to date, an inspired Gauzy fought back from 1-2 down to beat the Chinese penhold specialist 4-2 (11-8, 6-11, 11-13, 11-6, 11-9, 11-9) – What a result!

“It is a fantastic win; I am so happy to overcome such an exciting player… I had the advantage. I went deep into his forehand and put pressure on him. He recovered, but I attacked with the backhand and lost the third game really close. Nevertheless, I saw that my tactics were working and that it was only a matter of time before he would start to suffer from the pressure. I came close and kept forcing the same game. The dangerous moment was in the sixth game when I realised I could win. I was 8:3 up and he narrowed the advantage. I was afraid he might start to play riskier, but he was very nervous and could not return to the game.” Simon Gauzy

Falck and Boll prevail

Sweden’s Mattias Falck moves through to the last 16 of the men’s singles following a dominant performance against Portuguese opponent Tiago Apolonia (11-6, 11-4, 11-5, 11-8). German legend Timo Boll also advances at Masataka Morizono’s expense (11-3, 11-9, 11-7, 11-8).

Journey ends for Nigerian star

Quadri Aruna won’t be playing any further part in the men’s singles event after the Nigerian’s progress was halted by top seed Fan Zhendong (12-10, 11-2, 11-6, 11-9).

“It was a very difficult match and he was a much better player than me. I was just hoping that if I could win the first set then maybe I could be able to play more and more. But immediately he won the first set. Fan Zhendong was not himself but… he started dictating the match. Even in the last set, I was leading 8-5 and he caught up with me to win and that showed he is a better player than me. For me this tournament is another best competition in my career because I had never made it to the Round of 32 at the World Championships. So, getting to this stage is another milestone for me. I hope to do much better in future!” Quadri Aruna

Pros speak Hungarian

Find out which pros are masters of the Hungarian language and which players need a little more practise:

Mature display

While we’ve witnessed a couple of major upsets back-to-back that was not the situation that unfolded when Tomokazu Harimoto met Marcos Freitas. Showing great maturity throughout the match no.4 seed Harimoto posted a convincing 4-0 victory over his Portuguese rival (11-8, 14-12, 11-7, 11-7).

OVTCHAROV IS OUT!!!

What a match! Germany’s Dimitrij Ovtcharov has been eliminated in round three of the men’s singles draw after suffering a shock defeat at the hands of Croatia’s Tomislav Pucar. Trailing 2-3 in a breathtaking contest Pucar, seeded 50th, showed great courage in games six and seven to defy all the odds, ending the no.12 seed’s podium ambitions in the process (11-9, 8-11, 11-8, 8-11, 2-11, 11-5, 11-7).

“I had great help from Andrej Gacina. He played against Ovtcharov many times before so he wrote me a few tips; I watched his matches on YouTube and set up a few good tactics with my coach. I was well prepared.” Tomislav Pucar

Korean star stuns Japanese Giant!

Japanese star Jun Mizutani is out of the men’s singles tournament at the third hurdle following a full distance thriller against Korea Republic’s Jeoung Youngsik: In the deciding seventh game Mizutani saved three match point opportunities but ultimately it wasn’t enough as Jeoung held his nerve (7-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-4, 11-4, 8-11, 11-8).

Ma Long wins clash of titans affair

In a star-studded encounter between two legends of the game it was China’s Ma Long who took the plaudits against Belarus’ Vladimir Samsonov across five games (11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8) to earn his place in the last 16. Defeat for Samsonov but another highly respectable World Championships performance from the 43-year-old.

Shock or not?

End of the road for Japan’s Mima Ito but was her defeat to Sun Yingsha a shock or not?

Homework complete

Considered in many circles the major threat to Chinese ambitions, having last year beaten Liu Shiwen, Ding Ning and Zhu Yuling, Japan’s Mima Ito, the no.6 seed, was beaten in five games by Sun Yingsha, the no.24 seed (11-6, 11-9, 11-9, 13-15, 11-2). Simply from the defeats of 2018, the Chinese coaches had done their homework.

“I am satisfied with my performance today as I took the match. Ito is now the big threat to China, I just tried to challenge her today. I prepared this match last night. Chinese Table Tennis Association President Liu Guoliang and my coach Li Sun also gave me a lot of advice. It was impossible for me to stay cool. Frankly I was so nervous during the match. I just told myself one word: win. I was preparing the for the match until 11.30 pm last night and wrote down some key points which I needed for today’s match. After that I  played two computer games and watched some interesting videos on tiktok before going to sleep. It helped me relax.” Sun Yingsha

“I think Sun Yingsha played really well today. Even she met some difficulties, she carried out the tactics very firmly; this is not easy for a young player. Mima Ito has the strength to compete against Chinese players. She has won many times; her playing style is unique especially in the first three strokes which are powerful” Li Sun (Chinese National Coach)

Reality check for Adriana Diaz

Setting who new standards in Latin America but for Puerto Rico’s 18 year old Adriana Diaz, the no.26 seed, there was a lesson from the best player in the world.

She was beaten in straight games by highly focused Ding Ning (11-1, 11-8, 11-2, 11-5), the Chinese star giving the young lady the picturesque town of Utuado no time the draw breath.

Miu Hirano tested

Women’s Singles – Round Three

Japan’s Miu Hirano, the no.8 seed, beat Canada’s Zhang Mo, the no.21 seed but she was severely tested; she needed six games to secure victory (11-6, 13-11, 11-13, 7-11, 11-4, 11-4).

“When the match was 2-2 she changed her service and she started pushing me half long; this became difficult for me. I came here with the intention of getting to last the last 16, unfortunately it was a last 32 exit.” Zhang Mo

“At 2-2 I had to change my service and receive as well as my tactics; this really changed the game for me. It was very tough but I was well prepared.” Miu Hirano

Minnie Soo Wai Yam in form

Hong Kong’s Minnie Soo Wai Yam was very much the player in form; the no.24 seed, she player error free, secure in every department of her play.

She accounted for Romania’s Bernadette Szocs, the no.14 seed, in four straight games (14-12, 14-12, 11-5, 11-6)

Host nation hopes end

Defeat for Dora Madarasz, the no.53 seed, beaten by Singapore’s Feng Tianwei (11-7, 11-4, 11-8, 11-8), ended the hopes of the host nation, Feng Tianwei very much in the comfort zone.

“Yesterday I played two matches, so I felt a bit tired. Today I feel much better. I am getting used to the venue and atmosphere here.” Feng Tianwei

European bronze medallists succeed

Germany’s Patrick Franziska and Petrissa Solja, bronze medallists at the Liebherr 2019 European Championships and the no.12 seeds, caused somewhat of an upset. They accounted for Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yun-Ju and Cheng I-Ching, the no.6 seeds (11-9, 11-7, 5-11, 11-7, 11-8). Notably two years ago in Düsseldorf, Cheng I-Ching emerged the runner up in partnership with Chien Chen-An.

“Everything comes to small details. It was crucial to maintain a good service and receive game, but also to play fast and aggressive. To keep the ball short.” Patrick Franziska

”More then result I am happy that I can say that our game improved. We have more confidence. This match was not easy at all as the 4-1 result predicts.” Petrissa Solja

Defending champion, national champions progress

Defending champions and no.2 seeds, Japan’s Maharu Yoshimura and Kasumi Ishikawa alongside colleagues Masataka Morizono and Mima Ito, the no.4 seeds and reigning national champions, duly advanced but in contrasting fashions.

Maharu Yoshimura and Kasumi Ishikawa had to recover from a two games to one deficit to beat the host nation’s Adam Szudi and Szandra Pergel, the no.13 seeds (5-11, 14-12, 6-11, 11-6, 11-8, 12-10).

“We attacked them, started in good form at the beginning, but they were better.” Szandra Pergel

Rather more comfortably Masataka Morizono and Mima Ito accounted for Korea Republic’s Jang Woojin and Choi Hyojoo, the no.10 seeds (11-7, 11-9, 11-3, 11-6).

Fan Zhendong and Ding Ning relentless

China’s Fan Zhendong and Ding Ning continued to progress in an authoritative manner; they beat the French partnership of Tristan Flore and Laura Gasnier in five games (11-6, 11-8, 11-9, 7-11, 11-5)

“When leading 3-0, we made some mistakes in the fourth game but it did not affect the situation too much. We need to communicate more and get prepared for the next match. Singles and doubles events are both important for Team China. Coaches trust me and give me the chance to play in two events, so I will try my best to fulfill the task.” Fan Zhendong

Day Four action begins

The time has arrived for the proceedings to get underway on Day Four of the Liebherr 2019 World Championships – for detailed information take a look at the fixture schedule below:

Preview Day Four

Take a look at what’s coming your way on Day Four with our quick preview article:

Preview Day Four: Stars to meet in unmissable encounters

Adriana Diaz x TATA Trickshot

Watch Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz show off her amazing trickshot!

The workshop commenced with a welcome by Thomas Weikert, ITTF President, who then passed the floor to Ryu Seungmin.

In his keynote speech on the “Secrets behind a successful Dual Career”, he shared his own journey from athlete to current IOC member. Speaking about training as a child, with the Olympic Games in mind as the ultimate goal, he recalled that he put his determination to become a successful table tennis player before anything else, including a formal education.

He emphasized the important role of the athlete’s entourage, in particular the coaches, in preparing players not only for challenges during their playing career but also for those they will face after they retire. He also shared his own role in educating today’s athletes to prepare for life after sport, as an IOC educator for the Athlete 365 Career Plus programme.

The workshop continued with a Round Table on Education; the panelists being Bruce Burton, Executive Vice President in charge of Development, Ladislav Petrovic, Secretary General of the International Council for Coaching Excellence and Richard Prause, Technical Director of the German Table Tennis Federation. In connection with the newly developed Educational Matrix, the panel discussed the background and structure of a successful educational programme.

Richard Prause addressed the subject of the German coach accreditation system, which blends an online platform with practical skill sessions and examinations. Ladislav Petrovic suggested that since the skills a coach needs are well known, one of the most important things to consider when creating an educational system, is the way coaches learn. He believed an online element was essential. He also stressed the importance of the development of coaching course instructors and that a successful educational structure relies heavily on these educators.

Ramon Ortega Montes, ITTF Head of Education, explained the plan for the creation of new courses and a new structure that would be truly global; the aim to have a globally recognized coach accreditation system that will make a move from one country to another an easy process.

The Round Table was followed by a group work session. Four groups each discussed a dedicated topic. The impact of social media on participation and education, the biggest challenges and best practices for women’s development and the main components a national association’s strategic plan. In addition the subject of a national high performance pathway, with ITTF High Performance and Development staff acting as facilitators was addressed.

Although not being able to attend the workshop in person, Italian social media expert Marco Montemagno prepared a video message addressing national associations as well as players and coaches about the different strategies to raise their profile and engage their audience on social media.

The workshop concluded with a farewell address by Steve Dainton, ITTF Chief Executive Officer; he thanked everyone who attended and expressed his hope to see everyone again next year in Busan!

After winning the boys’ singles title at the 2018 Australian Junior and Cadet Open, since that time Manav Vikash Thakkar has become an integral member of the Indian team.

“I now realise that playing at top level is a bit more difficult than being a junior player. It is more of tactics at this level and in every match, you have to strategise for each game; this happened to me in the preliminary round when I was playing against Leonardo Mutti. I led 2-0 but he caught up with me at 2-2. It goes to show that he must have changed something; this is what I am learning at this level. Manav Vikash Thakkar

Undoubtedly, for Manav Vikash Thakkar, playing in the main hall will be forever cherished.

“I was a bit nervous when I played in the main hall but I really enjoyed every moment of the match because I was playing in front of the large crowd with colourful lighting,” he added.

A quarter-finalist at the 2018 World Junior Championships believes training in Saarbrucken, Germany and Copenhagen in Denmark, helped to prepare him for the Budapest challenge.

“I am happy with my performance in my first World Championships. I had only spent six months with the Indian senior team and I had featured in several top class tournaments. We had camps in Germany and Denmark and this really helped me to do well in Budapest. It was a good experience playing against Robert Gardos in the main draw, for me I think this is indeed a learning curve. I will continue to work hard.” Manav Vikash Thakkar

Step by step, Manav Vikash Thakkar is adjusting to life in the world’s major tournaments.

“My first experience with the Indian team was at the Asian Games. Although I did not play I was with the team when we won the bronze medal. The event really opened my eyes to what lies ahead of me, as I become part of a great Indian team. Budapest has given me motivation to work harder because I have come across players with different styles of play. It is an experience that will again fire me up in my training. Now I know I need to be at my best if I hope to make a name for myself in the sport.” Manav Vikash Thakkar

Impressed with the setting in Budapest, it has been an eye opening venture to Hungary’s capital city.

“My coming to Budapest has been a good experience because I have never played in such an atmosphere. The second hall where I played most of my matches was closer to the training hall and there was no similarity between the two halls and this for was a good experience. I enjoyed myself and I hope to be back at this stage again.” Manav Vikash Thakkar

Leandro Olvech, ITTF Foundation Director, presented six programmes, selected as prime examples to develop the sport in the best interests of mankind.

“We will launch multiple projects but in the long term but we do not see ourselves just as a factory of projects. We want to be seen as an inspiration and a model to persuade other organisations to change their minds and keep social responsibility high on their agendas. In every step we will showcase the best cases able to be replicated by others.

Of course, we have plenty of ideas and will support a lot of projects in the future but our work is not just about engaging new projects but about the sustainability of each and its replicability! We are looking for role model projects that can be copied by others.” Leandro Olvech

Role model projects include Dream Building in Uganda “Honecric” and “Slum Ping Pong” from Robert Jjagwe, the President of the Uganda Table Tennis Association. Highlighting legacy, “Buenos Aires – Tokyo” from Fernando Joffre, President of the Argentina Table Tennis Federation, attracts the attention; as for Ping Pong Diplomacy does “One Korea, One Table” from Ryu Seungmin, the 2004 Olympic Games gold medallist and now member of the International Olympic Committee. Furthermore, he is the ITTF Foundation Ambassador.

In the category TT4Health, the concept of Ping Pong Parkinson by Nenad Bach, a celebrated Croatian celebrated musician now living in New York, set the standard.

Pertinently, Ryu Seungmin presented images from behind the scenes showcasing the emotional meeting of North and South Korean players before competing as a unified team in Halmstad, Sweden. He recalled the words of Moon Joe-In, President of South Korea who stated the fact that a “small table tennis ball brought the South and the North together” and how important that was and is for the whole peninsula.

Shortly after, Nenad Bach stressed the importance of how table tennis can influence other aspects of life, in his case Parkinson disease and how important the work of the ITTF Foundation is for all those most in need.

Matters concluded with those present being afforded the chance to pose questions; notably Leandro Olvech stressed global reach in order to allay concerns that the initiatives were focused only on third world countries.

“The ITTF Foundation is a world-wide acting organisation, present in all 226 member countries. Its core area lays not in one or another country but in presenting sample cases that can be replicated in other parts of the world.” Leandro Olvech

Heartening words that endorse: table tennis for all, for life.