by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Impressively, Lin Yun-Ju accounted for Masaki Takami (11-7, 11-4, 11-6) and Takuto Izumo (3-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-8) to set the scene for Huang Chien-Tu to perform the role of hero to seal the victory.
After having lost to Takuto Izumo in the second match of the fixture (11-4, 11-7, 11-5), he overcame Masaki Takami in the fifth and vital contest of the engagement (11-6, 11-6, 11-9) to seal the win.
The one further win for Japan was recorded in the third match of the fixture when Aoto Asazu beat Feng Yi-Hsin (8-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9).
Close Semi-Final
A close defeat for Japan; one round earlier at the semi-final stage it had been a close victory in opposition to Chinese Taipei ‘B’, the seventh seeds.
Man of the moment for Japan had been Takuto Izumo, playing in the first and last matches of the fixture. He beat Li Hsin-Yang (13-11, 11-8, 10-12, 11-5) and Chin Mao-Cheng (11-8, 10-12, 11-7, 11-4). The one further win for Japan was recorded by Masaki Takami in the second match of the contest; he overcame Chin Mao-Cheng (11-9, 11-8, 11-8).
Notably, the wins for Chinese Taipei ‘B’ were recorded by Chuang Chun-Yu over Aoto Asazu in the third match of the engagement (11-4, 11-9, 11-8) and in the immediate ensuing contest by Li Hsin-Yang in opposition to Masaka Takami (9-11, 6-11, 13-11, 12-10, 11-7) as the hosts mounted a recovery.
Less Dramatic
Meanwhile, in the counterpart semi-final, life had been less dramatic. Chinese Taipei ‘A’ had beaten colleagues, Chinese Taipei ‘D’ by three matches to one.
The one success for Chinese Taipei ‘D’ had come in the opening match of the fixture when Lin Huan-Hsun had beaten Huang Chien-Tu (14-12, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9).
However, that was to prove the only reverse for the champions elect. Lin Yin-Jun beat Lai Chi-Chien (15-13, 11-8, 11-9), before Feng Yi-Hsin defeated Hu Chung-Wen (8-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-6) and Huang Chien-Tu completed matters by overcoming Lai Chi-Chien (11-7, 11-7, 9-11, 12-10).
Individual Events
Matters concluded in the Junior Boys’ Team event; attention now turns to the individual events. Proceedings commence on Friday 26th August.
