By Neha Aggarwal
Jeoung Youngsik Injured
Scheduled to play his round of 128 match against Mukhammed Akhmedzhanov of Kyrgyzstan at 2:00pm local time, Jeoung Youngsik disappointed his fans around the globe as he pulled out of the tournament due to a wrist injury.
“I injured my wrist two weeks ago when I was training. I really want to compete here for the Asian Championships, but now it is difficult for me. I hope to recover within the next month and come back to the competition at the World Championships.”- Jeoung Youngsik
Even though he did not play the quarter finals and the semi finals in then men’s team event, he was part of the final match of the men’s team event against China. Jeoung Youngsik played at the third position and lost to Xu Xin in straight games (9-11, 6-11, 10-12).
Now the focus for him will be recovery as the most awaited event of the year, the World Table Tennis Championship is just six weeks away, scheduled from 29th May- 5th June 2017.
Will Kim Minseok prove himself?
In the men’s singles round of 128, Korea Republic’s Kim Minseok beat DPR Korea’s Pak Sin Hyok in five games (8-11, 11-1, 11-6, 10-12, 11-7) to progress to the round of 64 where he will play against Supanut Wisutmaythangkoon of Thailand at 9:25pm local time.
Despite being unranked at the international charts due to lack of international play, Pak Sin Hyok has been proving himself as a dominant force from DPR Korea as he was the runner up in Men’s Singles at 2015 ITTF World Tour Pyongyang Open.
Kim Minseok has been a successful player in the juniors and Under-21 category. He won Under-21 Men’s Singles at 2011 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals but has not lived up to his potential since then. He was not selected last year for the Olympic Games or World Championships, but in Wuxi this time, he seems to be an improved person.
Jeoung Youngsik and Kim Minseok have together represented Korea Republic at the 2009 World Junior Championships; Jeoung Youngsik has progressed since then, however, Kim Minseok has not matched Jeoung Youngsik.
But here in Wuxi, he now has a favorable draw, and seems in better form.
Will Kin Minseok prove himself?
Will Jeoung Youngsik recover well and get back to form ahead of the upcoming World Championships?
Clock is ticking, time is nearing!
