by Simon Daish

Rather unexpectedly not one of the top seven seeded players managed to reach the Junior Boy’s Singles final, but instead it was the eighth seed Bastien Rembert and Japan’s Haruki Miyamoto who achieved that feat in Metz.

Bastien Rembert picked up an impressive win over the no.3 seed Jiri Martinko (12-10, 11-7, 11-9, 11-7) in the quarter-finals, and his victory against Hungary’s Csaba Andras (11-5, 15-13, 10-12, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9) in the last four was also pulled off with a confident display. But if there was one standout player in the category, surely it was Haruki Miyamoto.

Entering the competition as the lowest ranked player in his qualifying group Haruki Miyamoto not only went on to qualify for the main draw, but spectacular victories over the likes of top seed Irvin Bertrand (11-8, 6-11, 11-8, 7-11, 5-11, 11-4, 11-9) and the two competitors seeded sixth for the event Laurens Devos and Remi Menand catapulted the Japanese star into the battle for the title.

The final was set and ready to commence, it was the home favourite Rembert taking on the shock finalist Miyamoto, who was looking to upset the attending fans by claiming yet another big scalp.

Brimming with confidence Miyamoto made a thunderous start to the final, not only taking the opening game but following up with his capture of game two to sail into a commanding early advantage.

With the backing of the home spectators Rembert responded well, claiming back-to-back games to draw level in the tie and before long he began to find his stride. The next two ends also went in Rembert’s favour, and the Junior Boys’ Singles champion was confirmed (7-11, 5-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-6, 11-7).

“It’s huge because it’s my first final, my first gold medal… It’s so special to win a first final! I led two games to zero and I made the difference thanks to my serve and receive”, Bastien Rembert after beating Haruki Miyamoto to the Junior Boys’ Singles trophy.

Follow the action live on the Official ITTF Channel.