by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager
At the final hurdle Hampus Nordberg beat Mattias Översjö 11-9, 11-7, 11-3), having at the quarter-final stage ousted Anders Eriksson (11-7, 11-2, 11-9) and one round later Cheng Qian (11-8, 11-3, 13-11) to reserve his place in the final.
In the opposite half of the draw, in the later stages Mattias Översjö had overcome Japan’s Masaki Yumitori (11-6, 11-6, 12-10), followed by success in opposition to Kakeru Sone, also from Japan (11-7, 5-11, 11-6, 11-8) to reserve his final place.
“I have played here many times but only reached the quarter-final earlier; this time I played really well.” Hampus Nordberg.
Meanwhile, in the Women’s Singles event, Adriana Diaz accounted for the host nation’s Linda Bergström at the final hurdle (11-4, 11-9, 11-5). Victory over a defensive player and it was a second win of the day against such a style. At the quarter-final stage she had ousted Japanese defender Haruna Ojio (7-11, 11-8, 11-3, 7-11, 11-2), prior to recording a semi-final win in opposition to Chinatsu Minoguchi, also from Japan (6-11, 10-12, 11-7, 11-7, 11-2).
“I’m satisfied with my performance today, except for the final. I let Adriana control the game too much. I couldn’t disturb her with my attacking play.” Linda Bergström.
In the opposite half of the draw likewise Linda Bergström had beaten Japanese opposition. In the round of the last eight she defeated Ami Edmatsu (11-7, 11-6, 11-4), before securing her place in the final courtesy of success against Yukari Sugasawa (11-5, 11-4, 11-5).
