by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

A quite ideal combination, one that brought China’s Chen Qi World Championship titles in partnership with both Ma Lin and Wang Hao; the left handed shake-hands grip player partnering the right handed pen-holder. Ho Kwan Kit is the former, Wong Chun Ting is the right handed pen-holder.

The no.3 seeds, at the semi-final stage of proceedings, they upset the order of merit. They beat Japan’s Jin Ueda and Maharu Yoshimura, the no.2 seeds (11-8, 5-11, 11-9, 5-11, 11-7); a most notable win. The partnership is one of high pedigree. They have three ITTF World Tour Men’s Doubles titles to their credit. They succeeded in 2013 on home soil in Japan, prior to emerging victorious in 2017 in both China and Bulgaria.

“The fifth game was the most critical game and I was very nervous. I tried to stay focused to win every single point.” Wong Chun Ting

“We won the fifth game because we trusted each other. We won because we were not afraid to try different tactics.” Ho Kwan Kit

Success contrary to status for Ho Kwan Kit and Wong Chun Ting, it was the same for Masataka Morizono and Yuya Oshima, like Jin Ueda and Maharu Yoshimura from Japan.

The no.5 seeds, they beat the combination formed by Germany’s Patrick Franziska and Denmark’s Jonathan Groth, the no.4 seeds. It was a contest, as in the corresponding semi-final duel, between two very evenly matched pairs.

Masataka Morizono and Yuya Oshima emerged successful in four games (13-11, 13-11, 6-11, 11-4).

“Both our opponents were very strong. It’s our first time to play against them. We took the second game, after that it got much easier after that.” Masataka Morizono

“We are very tired after the matches. We need to rest and practise well before the final on Sunday.” Yuya Oshima

The final is scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday 27th May.