by Ian Marshall, Editor

The favoured left and right hand combination, Cho Seungmin being the left hander, An Jaehyun the right hander, the Korea Republic duo made the better; they were the quicker pair to find a rhythm to their play. In the opening game from 6-4 ahead they played error free to secure success.

Very much the ideal start; in the second game, Kakeru Sone and Yuta Tanaka, both right handers, warmed to the task. Just as in the opening game they had trailed 6-4, in the second they led by that two point margin. Eventually they won the game but not after some moments of concern; they lost the next four points before levelling matters at 8-all, then led 9-8, lost the next point before winning the next two to seal the game.

Matters now very much in the balance, in the third game it was parity at 7-all; An Jaehyun and Cho Seungmin secured the next two points but immediately Kakeru Sone and Yuta Tanaka responded, one point the gap, the Korea Republic duo called “Time Out”. In the long term the break worked but not in the short term. Kakeru Sone and Yuta Tanaka levelled at 9-all but never gained the lead; on their third game point An Jaehyun and Cho Seungmin succeeded.

One game to the good An Jaehyun and Cho Seungmin made a lightning start in the fourth, they won the first five points. The Japanese duo recovered somewhat but never drew level, electing for “Time Out” when trailing 8-5; the call was in vain, they did not win another point, the title belonged to the Korea Republic.

“This title is great for us. We won already in Spain, this is the confirmation that we are a good pair. It was a little revenge after that we were both eliminated in singles yesterday. Now we hope to get far at Swedish Open.” Cho Seungmin

Success for An Jaehyun and Cho Seungmin; it was their second ITTF Challenge Series Men’s Doubles title this year; on Sunday 1st April they had won in Spain.