by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Success for Mima Ito and it was a reversal of their one prior international meeting; at the GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour German Open in Magdeburg, Georgina Pota had beaten Mima Ito in five games. However, making any comparisons when Mima Ito is concerned, age must be considered; at the time she was only 13 years old

“I feel very tired after the match, as it was a hard fight; in particular, the third and fourth games were close and finished 11-9. I am very happy that I was able to win this match.” Mima Ito

One previous encounter between Mima Ito and Georgina Pota; for Han Ying playing fellow defender Honoka Hashimoto, it was their first encounter on the international scene and a most testing engagement. The Expedite Rule had to be invoked.

“It was incredibly hot in the arena. I was sweating a lot and at the end of the second game, I had sweat even in my eyes. I think the last time I played the Expedite system was at the Olympics in the match against Li Xue from France. I like this system as it makes the game shorter and it is an advantage, especially when you are tired. I was expecting that they would start this system earlier in the match but it finally came and it was an advantage for me and helped me to win.” Han Ying

At the semi-final stage Han Ying meets Honoka Hashimoto; the match is scheduled for later today at approximately 7.40pm (local time).