by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor (Interview by Iulia Necula)

He was beaten by 17 year old Yuki Matsuyama in three straight games (11-5, 11-9, 11-5).

“We have never played before but I knew him and I have watched him play many times. I had a lot of problems with his service. I did not receive well; that gave my opponent a substantial advantage.” Cho Daeseong

Defeat but for Cho Daeseong it is all part of learning; he had hoped to progress beyond the opening round but playing in Incheon and on the ITTF World Junior Circuit enables him to compete against many different styles of play.

Determined to succeed Cho Daeseong practises four to five hours each day at his middle school in Seoul; under the direction of Kim Taejun, the schedule also includes a notable element of physical training. During the summer and winter holidays, he practises with the Korean Junior National Team and in recent times has attended senior training camps.

“My main goal for 2017 is to reach the semi-finals of the World Junior Championships and of course in the future to become a member of the Korean National Team. I dream about being an Olympic Champion, just like my idol, my compatriot Ryu Seungmin.” Cho Daeseong

Disappointed to lose but the young man, who enjoys swimming and karaoke with his friends and family, is more than pleased to be playing on home soil.

He does not like flying! It’s something he better adjust to very quickly; he is a talented young man.