by Wade Townsend

Germany’s Ruwen Filus and Patrick Franziska both survived a seven game encounter this morning in the qualifications for the Lion Japan Open.

Filus found himself 1-3 down against Japan’s Asuka Sakai and was looking tired out on the court, taking a seat in between games. But Sakai failed to seal the deal and the German defender fought his way back to secure the win.

Patrick Franziska found himself 2-3 down against Liao Cheng-Ting (TPE) but was able to hang on for the narrowest of victories. He won the remaining two games 12-10 and 13-11, looking almost apologetic in his victory.

Compatriots Ricardo Walter and Steffen Mengel had less trouble moving through, each dropping just one game on their way to the win.

Takuya Jin (JPN) gave the Japanese fans reason to celebrate. He took down Gao Ning, the world number 40, in straight games. Jin is currently unranked, but his last appearance was at 113. On paper it looked like an upset, but last year at the same event Jin also defeated Ning in the same round.

The remaining players are now one win away from a place in the main draw of the Men’s Singles.

Checkout the results and schedule for today’s matches here.