by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager
Ji Jiale beat the host’s An Ji Song (12-10, 5-11, 11-6, 11-8, 12-10). Likewise, in a hard fought seven games contest Liu Yebo overcame Ro Kwang Jin (12-10, 6-11, 11-9, 12-10, 2-11, 11-6), whilst also in the Under 21 Men’s Singles event emerging successful at the quarter-final stage when facing DPR Korea’s Kim Kuk Chol (11-0, 11-3, 11-6).
Medal hopes alive in both events, it is the same for DPR Korea’s Ri Jong Sik. In the opening round of the Men’s Singles event, he beat colleague Kim Song Gun (11-9, 9-11, 15-13, 11-6, 9-11, 11-4). In the Under 21 Men’s Singles competition, in the round of the last eight, he accounted for Ham Yu Song, also from DPR Korea (11-6, 8-11, 4-11, 9-11, 12-10).
Defeat for the top seed but for the next three names in the Men’s Singles order of merit it was opening round success. Pak Sin Hyok, the no.2 seed and defending champion, beat Iran’s Miad Lotfijanabadi (11-2, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9); Cho Il, the winner in 2015 and the no.3 seed, accounted for Vietnam’s Nguyen Van Ngo (4-11, 11-4, 11-3, 11-7, 11-6). Likewise not to be left out, Kim Hyong Jin, the no.4 seed, ended the hopes of China’s Zhu Shusheng (11-5, 11-7, 11-6, 11-6).
Disappointment for China; there was more. Cao Wei was beaten by Ri Kwang Myong (3-11, 8-11, 11-3, 15-13, 5-11, 11-8, 11-3).
At the quarter-final stage of the Men’s Singles event, Kim Jin Su faces Ri Kwang Myong, Liu Yebo opposes Kim Hyong Jin; in the opposite half of the draw, it is Cho Il versus Ri Jong Sik, Ji Jiale in opposition to Pak Sin Hyok.
Meanwhile, in the Under 21 Men’s Singles event; in the penultimate round Cao Wei meets Liu Yebo, Ri Jong Sik faces colleague Kim Ok Chan; in the round of the last eight Kim Ok Chan beat Kim Song Gun (11-9, 11-9, 13-11).
Semi-finalists known, it is the same in the Men’s Doubles event; Cho Il and Pak Sin Hyok oppose Ji Jiale and Liu Yebo, Kim Hyong Jin and Kim Ok Chan oppose confront Yu Song and Kim Song Gun.
On Saturday 16th June, the quarter and semi-finals of the Men’s Singles event will be held, as will the Men’s Doubles semi-finals. The Under 21 Men’s Singles competition will be played to a conclusion.
