by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Ng Pak Nam, the no.14 seed, was beaten in six games by Japan’s Kazuhiro Yoshimura, the no.6 seed (8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 3-11, 11-5, 11-7); in a similar vein Lam Siu Hang, the no.10 seed, suffered at the hands of India’s Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, the no.8 seed, in five games (11-7, 11-8, 11-3, 8-11, 12-10).

Defeat is always disappointing but both Ng Pak Nam and Lam Siu Hang had exceeded expectations by reaching the penultimate round. Ng Pak Nam caused Kazuhiro Yoshimura moments of concern. After securing the fourth game, it appeared he may accelerate to victory, Kaszuhiro Yoshimura had other ideas, slightly the more powerful player; he remained assured and consistent in his play.

Somewhat differently Sathiyan Gnanasekaran made the ideal start. He won the first three games, notably taking a “Time Out” in the second game when leading 9-8; it proved a wise move; he won the next two points.

Gaining in confidence, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran dominated the third game before Lam Siu Hang recovered somewhat to win the fourth game. He appeared rejuvenated, in the fifth game he went ahead 9-5 but then promptly lost the next six points; he saved one match pint but when Sathiyan Gnanasekaran held another he could not repeat the achievement.

The final will be played later in the day.