by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

Hina Hayata and Mima Ito made a lightning start, they were the quicker to seize the advantage, the quicker to execute the first attack; they gave Jeon Jihee and Yang Haeun minimal time react.

Deep breaths, the Korean duo responded to win the third game, a game in which at 9-8 they elected for “Time Out”, they won the next point, the Japanese duo levelled but never gained the lead. There was respite for Korea but it was not to spark a major recovery.

Focused Hina Hayata and Mima Ito replicated the form of the opening two games, they made a quick-fire start establishing a 7-3 lead; they moved ahead to 9-6. Mika Baba, the Japanese national coach called “Time Out”, a precautionary move that worked. Hina Hayata and Mima Ito won the next two points, the title was secured.

“I am pleased to win this match and to win again for the second time in Germany.” Mima Ito

It was for Hina Hayata and Mima Ito their fifth appearance in an ITTF World Tour Women’s Doubles final as a partnership and their fourth success. Last year they had lost to Germany’s Shan Xiaona and Petrissa Solja in the final in Korea but, in addition to Magdeburg, had won in the Czech Republic and in Stockholm.

Meanwhile, for Jeon Jihee and Yang Haeun it was their 15th ITTF World Tour Women’s Doubles final as a combination; the eight time they had finished as silver medallists.