by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

In the third round they had required the full five games to overcome Doo Hoi Kem and Lee Ho Ching (7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 10-12, 11-5); in the round of the last eight pairs, they needed one game less.

They accounted for the Korean Republic duo of Lee Zion and Yang Haeun in four games (9-11, 12-10, 11-3, 11-5).

“I think they have prepared a lot for this match; this is our first time playing on the main table; at first I couldn’t play the match at my own pace.” Chen Ke

“Yesterday we watched their match and I think they played better today; I think in the end our overall technique and strategies were better than them.” Wang Manyu

One surprise pairing through to the semi-finals but no more; in the remaining quarter-final Women’s Doubles contests, it was as per status.

Chen Meng and Zhu Yuling, like Chen Ke and Wang Manyu from China, justified their top seeded status; they beat India’s Manika Batra and Mouma Das, the no.10 seeds, in three straight games (11-7, 11-3, 11-8).

Success for China; there was also success for Japan.

Hina Hayata and Mima Ito, the no.2 seeds, accounted for DPR Korea’s Ri Hyon Sim and Ri Mi Gyong, the no.19 seeds (11-4, 12-10, 8-11, 12-10); Honoka Hashimoto and Hitomi Sato, the no.3 seeds, emerged successful in the battle of the defenders. They beat Korea Republic’s Kim Kyungah and Suh Hyowon, the no.17 seeds (11-8, 11-7, 7-11, 12-10).

At the semi-final stage, Chen Meng and Zhu Yuling meet Honoka Hashimoto and Hitomi Sato; Chen Ke and Wang Manyu oppose Hina Hayata and Mima Ito.

The semi-finals of the Women’s Doubles event will be played on Saturday 15th April.