Pyon Song Gyong and Cha Su Yong to meet for title
Under 21 Women’s Singles: Semifinals
In the race for Under 21 women’s singles glory it is Pyon Song Gyong and Cha Su Yong who will meet face-to-face at the final hurdle.
Requiring just three games to get the job done Pyon proved too strong for fellow compatriot Pak Su Gyong in their semifinal encounter (11-5, 11-6, 11-4). Cha was forced to recover from a game down on her way to victory over Kim Un Song (8-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-5).
Top prize reserved for Chinese Taipei
Under 21 Men’s Singles: Semifinals
The Under 21 men’s singles trophy will be lifted by a player representing Chinese Taipei following successful semifinal outings for Feng Yi-Hsin and Huang Yan-Cheng.
Pushed right down to the wire, Feng held his nerve to see off DPR Korea’s Ham Yu Song in a full distance affair (11-8, 13-15, 11-8, 9-11, 11-6) but Huang enjoyed a much more straightforward time on the table dropping a combined total of eight points against another host nation competitor in the form of Jon Hyo Jung (11-2, 11-3, 11-3).
Second seed sails into round two
Women’s Singles: Round of 16
One of the big contenders for women’s singles gold, second seed Cha Hyo Sim is through to the quarter-finals in Pyongyang following a convincing opening round victory over Ju Hyang Hui (11-5, 11-9, 11-7, 11-6).
In the other fixtures to involve two host nation players going head-to-head Pyon Song Gyong, seeded sixth, accounted for Choe Hyon Hwa (11-7, 11-8, 10-12, 11-8, 11-9) while qualifier Ri Hyon Sim toppled no.10 seed Cha Su Yong (11-5, 11-7, 11-8, 11-13, 11-4)
Home derbies all around
Women’s Singles: Round of 16
Three out of four matches played at the Pyongyang Table Tennis Hall in the early afternoon were all-DPR Korea face-off’s, while one involved the Norwegian Ilka Doval.
Kim Song I surprised everyone with a big straight games win over the exciting Jon Kyong Mi (11-7, 11-9, 11-8, 11-4). Meanwhile, Ilka lost her second match of the day to Kim Jinu in as many games (11-6, 11-3, 12-10, 11-7). Finally, wrapping up the DPR Korea rout was Kim Sol Song who needed 5 games to see off compatriot Ri Hyang 4:1.
Unsuccessful return for Rumgay
Men’s Doubles: Quarterfinals
Scottish Gavin Rumgay’s return has not gone the best way possible, as he and his Indian partner Mudit Dani were unable to match the intensity of the home favorites Ham Yu Song and Ri Kwang Myong.
The DPR Korea pair started very strongly and took two games without budging from their attacking forehand play. Rumgay and Mudit won a game but had little to no chance of overturning that deficit (11-6, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7).
Amin makes for better showing in seniors
Men’s Singles: Round of 16
Iran’s Amin Ahmadian had a better performance in the senior side of the draw as he took a well deserved 4:2 win over Chinese Taipei’s Huang Yan-Cheng.
Having lost in the U-21 quarters, Amin resurfaced at the senior matches with more vigor and pace. Huang won two games to make it interesting, however Amin made sure he did not miss out on the quarterfinals with a quick recovery.
Three more for DPR Korea
Men’s Singles: Round of 16
Despite two 7 game thrillers, DPR Korea made it full set of victories as three more of their athletes moved on to the quarterfinals.
An Ji Song and Kim Song II needed to dig deep for 4:3 wins against compatriot U Tae Ryong and Thailand’s Supanut Wisutmaythangkoon respectively. Both matches were highly exciting, with one player in control and then the other. Meanwhile, their national teammate Kim Ok Chan had a swifter win versus Indian Mudit Dani as he took four straight games.
Home favorite moves on to semis
Under 21 Women’s Singles: Quarterfinals
Cha Su Yong made the crowd cheer with joy as she played an incredible match against Norway’s Ilka Doval. (11-3, 11-5, 11-3)
Winning in straight games, Cha had no trouble maintaining her pace and pressure throughout, with Ilka unable to respond to such fierce shots. With the home crowd pushing her on, it remains to be seen if she can go all the way.
No dice for Israel’s youth
Under 21 Men’s Singles: Quarterfinals
Chinese Taipei’s Huang Yan-Cheng and DPR Korea’s Ham Yu Song were firm walls for the Israelis Amir Hossein Hodei and Amin Ahmadian, as both were soundly defeated in 4 games.
Huang was quick off the bat, taking the first two games in succession which meant Amir had to settle for hard fought points and just the one game. Ham had a much simpler time seeing off Amin, with no real comeback in sight from the young Israeli.
Early withdrawal sees Feng and Cai through
Mixed Doubles: Quarterfinals
There was an early withdrawal due to injury for the Chinese pairing of Cui Qinglei and Gu Ruochen, meaning their Chinese Taipei counterparts Feng Yi-Hsin and Cai Fong-En moved on to the semifinals without playing a point.
Main draw underway
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