by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Listed at no.40 on the current Women’s World Rankings, Jian Huajun beat Korea’s Yoo Eunchong, named at no.107 (11-6, 11-7, 7-11, 6-11, 12-10, 11-3).

Success as expected, for her compatriots it was the opposite scenario. Minnie Soo Wai Yam, ranked no.48, was beaten by Japan’s Saki Shibata, listed at no.51; Lee Ho Ching named at no.31, lost to Canada’s Zhang Mo, standing at no.64.

Similarly, it was farewell to the lady with the smoothest backhand top spin of all, Tie Yana. The winner of no less that nine ITTF World Tour Women’s Singles titles and present named at no.28 on the world rankings, she was beaten by Minami Ando, like Saki Shibata from Japan.

Three upsets and according to current status, two more but, in reality, they were outcomes that could be predicted. China’s Sun Yingsha, the quite sensational winner three days earlier in Tokyo continued her good form, whilst Zhang Rui, underlined the fact why she may well follow in her colleague’s footsteps.

Both with no current world ranking, each accounted for a Japanese opponent. Sun Yingsha beat Misaki Morizono (7-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-9, 8-11, 11-5); Zhang Rui overcame Miyu Kato (11-7, 11-9, 11-8, 11-6). Presently on the Women’s World Rankings, Misaki Morizono is at no.37, Miyu Kato at no.25.

Disappointment for Japan and there were two more defeats in the concluding round of the Women’s Singles qualification tournament. Yui Hamamoto, ranked no.34, was beaten by Singapore’s Lin Ye, listed at no.87 (5-11, 14-12, 11-7, 11-7, 11-4); Maki Shiomi experienced defeat at the hands of Austria’s Sofia Polcanova (11-6, 11-9, 7-11, 11-5, 11-3).

On the current Women’s World Rankings, Maki Shiomi is at no.50, Sofia Polcanova at no.53.

Somewhat surprise defeats for Japan and there was nearly one more. Honoka Hashimoto, at no.16, the highest rated on duty, was extended the full seven games by Korea’s Song Maeum (4-11, 4-11, 11-7, 3-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-7).

A close call for Honoka Hashimoto; with the exception of Tie Yana, it was not the scenario for the other leading names on second round Women’s Singles qualification stage duty.

Furthermore, it was success for Korea; Yang Haeun beat Japan’s Eka So (11-8, 11-2, 11-6, 11-6); Suh Hyowon ended the hopes of Austria’s Amelie Solja (11-6, 11-9, 11-9, 12-10).

The Women’s Singles event at the Seamaster 2017 ITTF World Tour Platinum China Open commences on Thursday 22nd June.