China won’t lockout final

For the first time in 16 years the World Championships men’s singles final won’t be an all-Chinese contest after second seed Xu Xin suffered a shock round three elimination.

In a thrilling match filled with twists and turns at every corner it was Frenchman Simon Gauzy who emerged victorious over the master of penhold (11-8, 6-11, 11-13, 11-6, 11-9, 11-9), leaving China without a representative in the lower section of the draw.

Tomislav Pucar is more than a “one-hit wonder”

A month back at the 2019 ITTF Challenge Plus Oman Open Tomislav Pucar outperformed expectations to secure an unprecedented semi-finals finish – On Day Four in Budapest the Croatian was at it again.

The clear underdog in his third round meeting with no.12 seed Dimitrij Ovtcharov but that didn’t hold Pucar back as he pulled off a magnificent 4-3 win against the German star (11-9, 8-11, 11-8, 8-11, 2-11, 11-5, 11-7).

It’s not over until it’s over

Over in the women’s singles draw Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem showed us that there’s always a way out of a difficult situation as she earned an impressive win against Japan’s Kasumi Ishikawa.

Trailing 0-5 in the deciding game and staring at a Round of 16 defeat but Doo refused to give up the fight, winning 11 of the next 15 points to keep Hong Kong in the competition (11-6, 11-6, 7-11, 11-9, 4-11, 6-11, 11-9).

Exciting times ahead for Latin America

There’s a great deal of excitement brewing in Latin American surrounding the excellent Hugo Calderano, who has taken the world by storm over the past couple of years and the Brazilian has provided the continent with yet more cause for celebration in Budapest.

Calderano’s convincing 4-0 victory over India’s Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (11-6, 11-3, 11-9, 11-9) means he equals Latin America’s personal best record of a top 16 finish on the World Championships stage, a feat that was previously achieved by Biriba and Claudio Kano in 1961 and 1971 respectively.

Petrissa Solja knows the secret to mixed doubles success

Winning mixed doubles bronze alongside Fang Bo two years back in Düsseldorf and Germany’s Petrissa Solja is assured of another World Championships medal in Budapest but this time with a different partner.

At the quarter-finals stage of play Solja and Patrick Franziska produced a fine display to knock Japan’s Mima Ito and Masataka Morizono out of the running (13-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-13, 15-13, 11-8) – at the very least a bronze medal is guaranteed but can Solja and Franziska finish even higher?

The day begins with the last 16 of the men’s singles tournament and we’ve got some absolute cracking matches on the way.

At 10.00am local time Fan Zhendong will face his toughest challenger so far in Budapest as fellow compatriot Liang Jingkun awaits on table 1. The latter player was on the winning side of this head-to-head at the 2018 ITTF World Tour Austrian Open – could the top seed be in danger of an early exit?

Another tie featuring two major contenders sees Hugo Calderano meet defending champion Ma Long on table 1 at approximately 12.00pm. Calderano is attempting to become the first Latin American to reach the last eight of a singles event in World Championships history so expect to see extra determination from the Brazilian.

Enjoying a fine campaign thus far Miu Hirano is just one win away from a medal finish in the women’s singles draw, but she has an uphill task ahead of her as she prepares to do battle with the “Queen of Hearts” Ding Ning at 4.00pm on table 1. Identified as a potential threat to China’s dominance – is this Hirano’s time to shine?

One hour later we have the exciting prospect of seeing two of China’s finest young players meeting face-to-face as Sun Yingsha, 18, and Wang Manyu, 20, take to table 2. In their relatively short careers at senior level Sun and Wang have established an intriguing rivalry and with a medal up for grabs both players will be desperate for the victory. Expect nothing short of a classic when these two meet at 5.00pm.

From 6.00pm you can join the men’s doubles race where Portuguese qualifiers Tiago Apolonia and Joao Monteiro have the opportunity to reach the penultimate round if they can find a way past Germany’s Timo Boll and Patrick Franziska on table 2. The fourth and fifth seeded women’s doubles partnerships are scheduled for table 1 at 7.00pm as China’s Zhu Yuling and Chen Meng take on Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem and Lee Ho Ching in a fiery encounter.

Rounding off the day’s action at 8.00pm are two mixed doubles semi-finals: on table 1 we have a jaw-dropping match between China’s biggest stars as Fan Zhendong and Ding Ning face off against Xu Xin and Liu Shiwen while over on table 2 defending champions Maharu Yoshimura and Kasumi Ishikawa of Japan welcome Germany’s Patrick Franziska and Petrissa Solja.

Be sure to watch the action unfold live with itTV and follow the live blog throughout the course of the day for all the latest from Budapest.

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ONE OF THE ALL-TIME GREAT UPSETS

Day 4 revealed one of the major shocks in recent World Table Tennis Championships history, as world no. 34 Simon GAUZY (FRA) produced an outstanding performance to stun world no. 2 XU Xin (CHN), winning in six games (11-8, 6-11, 11-13, 11-6, 11-9, 11-9).

The swashbuckling style of both players always had this match down as a potential classic and that is how it transpired, with a number of scintillating strokes exchanged and, despite trailing after the third game, GAUZY it was who prevailed amidst the deafening cheers of a passionate crowd inside the HUNGEXPO Budapest.

The result and elimination of XU, the only Chinese athlete in his half of the draw, ensures that this will be the first time in 16 years that the Men’s Singles final does not feature two Chinese players: a scenario not seen since Werner SCHLAGER (AUT) reached and won the final back in 2003 in Paris.

BIG-NAME EXITS CONTINUE

Few may have expected Tomislav PUCAR (CRO) to progress beyond the round of 32 when he drew former world no. 12 Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (GER), but the reality is that the world no. 58 is playing comfortably the best table tennis of his career to date.

Following impressive showings at the ITTF Challenge Plus Oman Open, where he reached the semi-finals, and a round of 32 finish at the ITTF World Tour Qatar Open, the 23-year-old’s career has been on an unmistakably upward trajectory, so much that his match-up against the former world no. 1 had an air of the unexpected about it.

An extremely hard-fought battle ensued, full of twists and turns, until PUCAR emerged victorious after seven very intense games (11-9, 8-11, 11-8, 8-11, 2-11, 11-5, 11-7).

DOO Hoi Kem (HKG) provided arguably the biggest upset in the Women’s Singles draw. The world no. 12 was down 0-5 in the deciding game against no. 6 Kasumi ISHIKAWA (JPN), however refused to give up the fight, winning 11 of the next 15 points to keep Hong Kong in the competition (11-6, 11-6, 7-11, 11-9, 4-11, 6-11, 11-9).

Day 4 also saw Japan’s second highest-ranked player crash out of the competition, as world no. 7 Mima ITO (JPN) failed to deal with the ever-improving SUN Yingsha (CHN). The world no. 29 is so far justifying her selection for the World Championships amidst typically stiff competition and accounted for ITO in five games (11-6, 11-9, 11-9, 13-15, 11-2).

EXCITING TIMES AHEAD FOR LATIN AMERICA

One day after Adriana DIAZ (PUR) broke new ground for Puerto Rican table tennis by becoming the first player from the nation to reach the round of 32, there would be another record broken by another rising star from the Latin American region.

Hugo CALDERANO (BRA), who has taken the world by storm in recent years to attain the world no. 7 spot, provided the continent with yet more cause for celebration in Budapest. The 22-year-old’s convincing 4-0 victory over Sathiyan GNANASEKARAN (IND) in straight games (11-6, 11-3, 11-9, 11-9) means he equals Latin America’s personal best record of a top 16 finish on the World Championships stage, a feat that was previously achieved by BIRIBA and Claudio KANO in 1961 and 1971 respectively.

BRONZE MEDALS SECURED IN MIXED DOUBLES

The Mixed Doubles quarter-finals produced an eye-catching contest involving LEE Sangsu and JEAN Jihee (KOR), who challenged the powerful pairing of XU Xin and LIU Shiwen (CHN) until the very end, before eventually losing 4-3.

The same round in the same competition saw another upset unfold, as Patrick FRANZISKA and Petrissa SOLJA (GER) locked horns with Mima ITO and Masataka MORIZONO (JPN). FRANZISKA injured his right foot in the sixth game only a few shots before match point. After a medical time out, he and SOLJA got back in the game to finish off a well-earned 4-2 victory to make sure of a bronze medal finish.

FOUR DAYS DONE. FOUR TO GO!

More incredible matches are in store for Day 5, as players start to target the major prizes on offer this weekend in Budapest.

Tune in to itTV to make sure you don’t miss any of the action!

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Queen of Hearts moves through

China’s Ding Ning is the first player into the women’s singles semi-finals after negotiating a difficult encounter against Japan’s Miu Hirano (11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-7, 11-9).

Both players demonstrated magnificent speed on the table with the vast majority of rallies concluding in quick fashion but ultimately only one could progress and that proved to be the “Queen of Hearts.” – The title defence continues!

Breaking News: Boll withdraws from men’s doubles!!!

Unfortunately we won’t be seeing Timo Boll in action this evening after the German legend officially withdraw from the men’s doubles event due to illness. Get well soon Timo!!!

Women’s Singles Quarter-Finals

Here’s how the women’s singles quarter-finals schedule looks:

4.00pm: Ding Ning vs Miu Hirano (Table 1) – Doo Hoi Kem vs Chen Meng (Table 2)

5.00pm: Miyu Kato vs Liu Shiwen (Table 1) – Wang Manyu vs Sun Yingsha (Table 2)

Secrets Revealed

Want to know some of French star Simon Gauzy secrets? Watch and find out:

Men’s Singles

Top half: Liang Jiangkun (China) v Koki Niwa (Japan), Ma Long (China), v Lin Gaoyuan (China)

Lower half: An Jaehyun (Korea Republic) v Jang Woojin (Korea Republic), Mattias Falck (Sweden) v Simon Gauzy (France)

The matches will be played on Friday 26th April

Simon Gauzy Reflects

Simon Gauzy looks back at his win against Wang Yang:

“I lost against him twice recently so I started the match fully focused. I did not have the adversary like I had yesterday, when I beat Xu Xin, but this match was mentally harder. I was under bigger pressure because this time I was the favourite. It is so good that I did not play a morning match because I really needed time today to find my focus and to calm down. I have not been feeling comfortable playing against defenders; that is why I started in full power from the first minute. I did not want to give him chance to attack first. I attacked with the fast backhand and through all four games he did not find the chance to recover.” Simon Gauzy

Simon Gauzy beat Wang Yang 11-0, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8

Drama with the departure of both Fan Zhendong and Tomokazu Harimoto, the withdrawal of Timo Boll; the morning ended in a degree of anti-climax.

Simon Gauzy won the first 13 points of the match; comfortably he won the second game, before establishing a 4-1 lead in the third. Wang Yang called “Time Out”; advice from Jaromir Truksa but it was to no avail.

The Frenchman was in command; the fourth game closer but not in doubt, a straight games win recorded.

An Jaehyun and Tomokazu Harimoto reflect

An Jaehyun and Tomokazu Harimoto look back at their encounter; An Jaehyun remembering the defeat suffered at the 2016 World Junior Championships in Cpe Town.

“The last time we met it was a very close and tight match but today I was confident that I could win.” An Jaehyun

“I was so nervous in the match, I could not play my game. I tried to play my style but it was a bit difficult. I tried several times but it was not just working. I think I am still nursing the ambition of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games but this means I have to practise more. Probably this loss is one of the phases in table tennis which I quite know will happen.” Tomokazu Harimoto

Timo Boll withdraws

Suffering from a fever, Timo Boll has withdrawn from the men’s singles event. However, he hopes to recover in time for his men’s doubles match partnering Patrick Franziska.

It means Jang Woojin receives a walk-over and despite the losses experienced by Lee Sangsu and Jeoung Sangeun, the Korea Republic is guaranteed a semi-final place. In the round of the last eight An Jaehyun meets Jang Woojin.

Ma Long beat Hugo Calderano 8-11, 11-8, 11-1, 11-3, 11-8

First game to Hugo Calderano as increasingly the chant of “Hugo, Hugo” raised in volume. The backhand of the Brazilian, whether close to the table or distant, potent, the young man from Rio de Janeiro posed problems for the defending champion.

In the second game at 7-all it was parity; the next two points to Ma Long, eventually succeeding 11-8. High quality, the rallies stunning but could Hugo Calderano match Ma Long in the rallies department.

Just one thought, put the backhand of Hugo Calderano together with the forehand of Ma Long and Hugo Long would be some player.

Excelling over the table Ma Long dominated the third game, a rhythm to his play had been found. He gave Hugo Calderano no time to exert his power. Now Ma Long was in motion, the first three points of the fourth game secured, Ma Long called “Time Out”.

The fractional earlier timing on the ball which Ma Long exerted was proving crucial. Ma Long was in a dominant mood. There was no stopping the juggernaut, a quarter-final place was reserved.

Jeoung Youngsik reflects

“The first three games were close and most times made bad services and receives during important points; this really affected me losing vital points. It is my first time making it to the last 16 of the World Championships but I know I had chance to progress. My opponent played very well and I hope to be luckier next time.” Jeoung Youngsik

Response from Tomislav Pucar

“I think playing well at the Oman and Qatar Opens helped my confidence in this competition and it really prepared me well. Losing the first game was very disappointing  because I was leading 10-6, if I had won it, it would have been a different thing entirely. If I initiated an attack I could more points, he was more tactical .” Tomislav Pucar

An Jaehyun beat Tomokazu Harimoto 11-7, 3-11, 11-8, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9

Tomokazu Harimoto is the sensation, the youngest in every respect whatever the question but in Budapest, An Jaehyun, required to qualify has been a revelation; defeats earlier in the morning for Lee Sangsu and Jeoung Youngsik, the Korean mantle of responsibility rested on the shoulders of the 19 year old.

Contrary to expectations, An Jaehyun secured the opening game, immediately Tomokazu Harimoto replied; fearless and relishing the occasion, An Jaehyun secured the third and went ahead 5-3 in the fourth. Tomokazu Harimoto called “Time Out”. The break worked but it worked for An Jaehyun who increased the lead before Tomokazu Harimoto reduced the deficit to 9-6. An Jaehyun elected for “Time Out”. He lost the next point but no more, he led 3-1.

Looking somewhat stressed but fighting for every point, Tomokazu Harimoto secured the fifth game.

In the sixth game, there was nothing to choose until An Jaehyun went ahead 9-7. Tomokazu Harimoto levelled but at 10-9 An Jaehyun held the advantage, at the first attempt he succeeded. The Korea Republic celebrated.

Lin Gaoyuan beats Jeoung Youngsik 11-8, 11-9, 11-9, 11-6

Speed the key, Lin Gaoyuan secured the opening game 11-8. The second game somewhat followed the pattern of the first; Lin Gaoyuan established a 10-7 lead, Jeoung Youngsik, saved two game points but no more.

Close games, the third was the same with Lin Gaoyuan prevailing 11-9 and thus established a 3-0 lead. Deciding to take some risks, in the fourth game Jeoung Youngsik trailed 3-5, he called “Time Out” and sought advice from Kim Taeksoo. However, the writing was on the wall. At 10-5, Lin Gaoyuan held five match points, he succeeded at the second attempt.

Response from Mattias Falck and Lee Sangsu

“I was a bit nervous in the first game but when I got back to the table on the second game, I started getting more aggressive and this really helped. I cannot express how I feel about this win because it means so much to me. As one of the seeded players, I had a target of progressing in every match and I am happy I am doing that.” Mattias Falck

“My opponent is a very good player and the match was also very difficult for me. After the first game, he became more aggressive and it was a 50:50 match. Unfortunately I could not contain him and this really cost me the match. This is table tennis, sometimes you win some and you lose some. For me after every competition, I go back to work harder with more practice.” Lee Sangsu

Koki Niwa beats Tomislav Pucar 12-10, 11-5, 5-11, 11-8, 8-11, 12-10

The height advantage with Tomislav Pucar, he towers above Koki Niwa.

Supreme feeling for the ball, Koki Niwa secured a close opening game. Over the table he held the ace cards. More relaxed he controlled the second game. More acclimatized, Koki Niwa making mistakes, Tomislav Pucar secured the third game. In the fourth Koki Niwa established an early lead but at 9-8, the difference was down to one point. Koki Niwa called “Time Out”. The break worked.

In recent weeks, Tomislav Pucar has played at a new level; positive with the first attacking strike he won the fifth game. The sixth game crucial, trailing 7-8, Tomislav Pucar called “Time Out”. Koki Niwa went ahead 10-8, two match points, both were saved but when a third opportunity arose, Koki Niwa converted
Koki Niwa who beat Tomislav Pucar

Liang Jingkun beats Fan Zhendong 5-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-9, 8-11, 11-7

Fan Zhendong secured the first game 11-5 against Liang Jingkun, safety first, keep the ball on the table and keep your opponent under pressure, he gained success. More relaxed Liang Lingkun responded to secure the second.

The more positive player, Liang Jingkun secure the third game 11-8; now he is the more vocal player. It is role reversal from the opening game. Both from the same country but neither is giving an inch, the crowd is enthralled.

Fourth game, Liang Jingkun leads 10-7; tension. Next two points to Fan Zhendong; Liang Jingkun takes “Time Out”. A long rally ensues, a backhand top spin from Fan Zhendong flies long. Liang Jingkun lead 3-1.

In the fifth game, Liang Jingkun goes ahead 4-3; Fan Zhendong takes “Time Out”. Liang Jingkun is on fire. Narrowest of edges, signaled by Fan Zhendong he moves ahead 6-4. Matters level at 7-all; super consistent, Fan Zhendong moves ahead 10-8, clinches next point, deficit down to one game.

Can Liang Jingkun respond? Has Fan Zhendong weathered the storm?

In the sixth game, the early advantage is with Liang Jingkun, outstanding counter top spin rallies, he establishes a 6-3 lead. Fan Zhendong, once again reverts to safety first, consistency, he levels at 6-all. Again Liang Jingkun seizes the advantage; at 10-7, three match points. He succeeds at first opportunity.

Mattias Falck beats Lee Sangsu 11-13, 11-8, 11-8, 11-5, 11-6

Athletic, Lee Sangsu won the opening game by narrowest of margins, 13-11, against Mattias Falck; an immediate response to secure the second 11-8

A close third game, the verdict against 11-8 in favour of the Swede. It gives him a major boost. In the fourth game he moves ahead 6-1. He maintains lead to win 11-5.

Lee Sangsu responds, establishes 5-2 lead in fifth game. Mattias Falck replies wins next seven points. Match point at 10-6, secured. Mattias Falck salutes the crowd.

Day Five arrives

It’s time for Day Five of the Liebherr 2019 World Championships to begin – for detailed information take a look at the fixture schedule below:

Preview Day Five

See what’s coming up on Day Five with our quick preview article:

Preview Day Five: Further drama awaits as tensions rise

Omar Assar x TATA Trickshot

Backhand, forehand, jump shot – Watch Omar Assar’s brilliant trickshot!