by Ian Marshall, Editor
Win at the vital stage such was the situation in the opening game. Throughout Timo Boll led, just Tomokazu Harimoto won the last two points, the points that count.
Stung by the reverse, Timo Boll dominated the second game, the quicker to attack, over the table he excelled. A convincing success, the third day it was very different, in fact the opening game in reverse. Timo Boll trailed 8-10, before on his second game point securing victory.
A boost for Timo Boll, in the fourth game he went ahead 5-2, Tomokazu Harimoto called “Time Out”; the gap was too great, Timo Boll established a 10-5 lead, at the first time of asking he converted.
Tomokazu Harimoto to his great credit, fought true to his character but Timo Boll, resolute, was not to be moved. In the fifth game it was parity at 9-all but the German was serving. He took full advantage of the situation, two points in succession, a place in the semi-finals was reserved.
Furthermore, the result meant that Timo Boll avenged the defeat of their most recent meeting; after beating Tomokazu Harimoto at the Seamaster 2017 ITTF World Tour China Open, later in the year in the final at the Seamaster 2017 ITTF World Tour Czech Open, the decision went in favour of Tomokazu Harimoto. In Paris, Timo Boll settled the score.
The semi-finals commence at 11.00 am (local time) on Sunday 21st October to be followed by the third place match and final later in the day.
