Cho sends Mizutani packing and Gauzy invests in his future

by Wade Townsend

Cho Seungmin (KOR) has knocked out defending champion and no.1 seed Jun Mizutani (JPN) in a seven game thriller this morning in the Men’s Singles at the Seamaster 2017 Australian Open.

Cho dropped the first game 9-11, but then raced to a 3-1 lead.

A comeback was on the cards as Mizutani negotiated his way back in to the match, bringing the score level. At that point in the game the top seed would have looked like the favourite, but Cho had other ideas.

The final game was over within a flash. Cho dominated the table and closed out the match 11-4.

“At the start my system was good. I think I could win about 80% of points when I executed this tactic. But at 3-1 Mizutani changed his system of play. I was nervous and had to adapt my game.” Cho Seungmin

With the top seed dispatched, is he a favourite for the title?

“For my next matches I will just think about one point at a time and not to be nervous. That is my mission!” Cho Seungmin

Cho’s semi-final opponent will be Simon Gauzy (FRA).

Gauzy put up a convincing 4-0 win against Masaki Yoshida (JPN) and has his eyes set on the top prize.

“I would like to get the title and $48,000; Mizutani is out now so anything is possible.” Simon Gauzy

And what would he do with the prize money?

“I’m investing in my table tennis at the moment. I’m still young and the important thing is to play in more and more tournaments. I really want a psychologist and a physio; there are many things that can make me better. I still have fifteen years left to play.” Simon Gauzy

But Gauzy thinks he can also spare a little change on that special someone.