by Ian Marshall, Editor

Star of the show was without doubt Sweden’s Truls Moregard; after Sabina Surjan had given a most spirited display against the quick-fire machine gun like attacking skills of Miu Hirano, losing in four games (6-11, 11-3, 11-9, 11-6), the Swedish teenager responded to give Europe more than a ray of hope.

He beat Tomokazu Harimoto in four games (4-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-9) to underline the fact that of all the young players who are emerging from Europe, he provides the biggest threat to Asian excellence. Notably just under a year ago at the World Junior Championship, en route to Boys’ Singles final, he beat Japan’s Yuto Kizukuri before accounting for the Chinese duo of Xu Haidong and Niu Guankai.

“We eventually reached the final, we really wanted to win this match. We will do our best and give in all our efforts to play well and try to win the final.” Miu Hirano

Matters level, there was to be no upset, Tomokazu Harimoto and Miu Hirano emerged successful but again they were tested; they needed five games in order to achieve success.

“I wanted to win my match against Moregard but in the key moments of the match, I made some errors and didn’t play well.” Tomokazu Harimoto

Similarly, in the second semi-final, just as in the penultimate round of the Men’s Singles event when he had extended Tomokazu Harimoto the full seven games (6-11, 13-11, 14-12, 11-4, 9-11, 11-5, 11-6), Lin Yun-Ju once again showed his class.

“For the final against Japan, we will for sure be putting in our best efforts and fight for another gold. We are confident that we can do it.” Sun Yingsha

After Sun Yingsha had proved too safe, too secure, for Su Pei-Ling (11-4, 11-4, 11-2); Lin Yun-Ju gave Wang Chuqin more than food for thought; a five games verdict was the outcome (11-6, 14-12, 9-11, 11-8).

The bronze and gold medal contests will be played later in the day.