by Ian Marshall, Editor

Opening his account in the second preliminary round, he beat Russia’s Denis Ivonin (11-6, 11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 11-9).

“I was very happy to win my first match, but I still need to improve some things. Last year I won the Under 21 competition but in this tournament I want to get far as possible in the Men’s Singles. I am young still young but I am confident that I can win a title once again.” Shunsuke Togami

Success for Japan, he was not alone, the round proved a most fruitful experience for the Land of the Rising Sun. There was just one casualty, Kakeru Sone was beaten by Sweden’s Viktor Brodd (13-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-5), otherwise it was success followed by more success. Yuta Tanaka, Takeru Kashima and Aoto Asazu, all responded; all recorded wins.

Yuta Tanaka set the example by beating Poland’s Samuel Kulczycki (14-16, 11-8, 11-9, 8-11, 11-2, 11-6). Later, Takeru Kashiwa followed suit; he withstood a brave fightback by Spain’s Guillermo Martinez (11-6, 11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 7-11, 9-11, 11-6) to keep his main draw hopes alive.

Hard earned wins, it was the same for Aoto Asazu, he overcame Ewout Oostwouder, of the Netherlands (11-13, 14-12, 11-7, 11-3, 8-11, 11-5) in what was very much the performance of the round. Presently Ewout Oostwouder is listed at a most creditable no.153 on the Men’s World Rankings; Aoto Asazu, 18 years old, is named over 800 places lower at no.964.

Play in the qualification tournament concludes on Wednesday 24th October.