by Ian Marshall, Editor

Lin Gaoyuan, the one previous winner on duty in Daejeon, when in early June playing on home soil in his native city of Shenzhen at the Seamaster 2018 ITTF World Tour Platinum Kaisa China Open, had emerged successful in partnership with Chen Xingtong, experienced a quarter-final defeat.

Partnering colleague, Wang Manyu, the no.6 seeds, the duo lost to Chinese Taipei’s Chen Chien-An and Cheng I-Ching, the no.4 seeds, the silver medallists at the Liebherr 2017 World Championships in the German city of Düsseldorf. They experienced defeat by the very narrowest of five game margins (7-11, 11-8, 14-12, 8-11, 12-10).

A narrow reverse for China, conversely there was a narrow success. Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha eventually overcame DPR Korea’s Pak Sin Hyok and Kim Nam Hae (21-19, 6-11, 9-11, 15-13, 11-7); both pairs having started their quest in the qualification stage.

Defeat for the Korean Peninsula but there was success and notable success; the host nation’s Jang Woojin in partnership with DPR Korea’s Cha Hyo Sim, not seeded, caused a major upset by beating Hong Kong’s Ho Kwan Kit and Lee Ho Ching, the no.5 seeds (13-11, 11-4, 11-8).

Success in a most impressive manner; in the all Korea Republic quarter-final duel it was the same scenario and also somewhat of an upset. Lim Jonghoon and Yang Haeun, the no.8 seeds, overcame colleagues, Lee Sangsu and Jeon Jihee, the no.3 seeds, in three straight games (11-4, 11-6, 11-5).

At the semi-final stage Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha meet Lim Jonghoon and Yang Haeun; Chen Chien-An and Cheng I-Ching confront Jang Woojin and Cha Hyo Sim.

The semi-finals of the Mixed Doubles event will be played on Friday 20th July.