by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Lim Jonghoon beat Chinese Taipei’s Sun Chia-Hung, the no.5 seed (11-9, 6-11, 11-3, 11-6); Kim Minhyeok overcame Australia’s Lin Xuqi (11-6, 11-5, 11-7).

Likewise, Park Ganghyeon accounted for New Zealand’s Dean Shu, the no.8 seed (11-2, 11-6, 11-6), Cho Seungmin ended the hopes of Japan’s Yuta Tanaka, the no.6 seed (11-5, 5-11, 11-7, 12-10).

At the semi-final stage Lim Jonghoon meets Kim Minhyeok; Park Ganhyeon opposes Cho Seungmin.

Gold guaranteed in the Under 21 Men’s Singles event, in the counterpart Under 21 Women’s Singles competition, Korean hopes of similar success are not assured but they are very much alive.

Choi Hyojoo, the top seed, reserved her place in the penultimate round by beating Charlotte Carey of Wales, the no.7 seed (11-5, 11-5, 11-4). She now meets Japan’s Maki Shiomi, the no.6 seed in her quest for a place in the final; in the opposite half of the draw Saki Shibata, also from Japan and the no.2 seed, confronts, Singapore’s Lin Ye, the no.5 seed.

Maki Shiomi and Lin Ye both reserved semi-final places courtesy of success against Chinese Taipei adversaries. Lin Ye beat Chiu Ssu-Yu (11-8, 11-3, 11-7), Maki Shiomi overcame Fang Sih-Han, the no.6 seed (11-4, 11-8, 11-4).

Meanwhile, in an equally imposing manner, Saki Shibata ended the hopes of Australia’s Wu Jiamuwa, the no.8 seed (6-11, 11-3, 11-2, 11-4).

Both the Under 21 Men’s Singles and Under 21 Women’s Singles events will be played to a conclusion on Monday 3rd July.