Day draws to a close, Chinese Taipei 3-1 Romania
Women’s Teams – Groups
And there we have it. Cheng I-Ching has beaten Elizabeta Samara without dropping a game (11-5, 11-8, 11-2), guiding Chinese Taipei to top spot in Group C. As for Romania, a must-win fixture with Vanuatu awaits on day two – how will the European champions respond?
Chen Szu-Yu moves Chinese Taipei ever closer
Women’s Teams – Groups
The momentum is firmly in Chinese Taipei’s court now as Chen Szu-Yu keeps her cool to beat Daniela Monteiro Dodean in a full distance thriller (8-11, 14-12, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9). Chinese Taipei now leads Romania 2-1 with the next bout seeing Cheng I-Ching and Elizabeta Samara meeting face-to-face in a crucial affair.
Jeon Jihee edged Doo Hoi Kem in a tight contest (11-7, 10-12, 15-13, 10-12, 11-6) as Korea Republic prevailed 3-0 over Hong Kong, China to seal first position in Group D.
Hosts looking on point
Women’s Teams – Groups
Arguably the biggest contender to knock Team China off the top spot of the medals podium, Japan have joined the top seeds in the main draw after Kasumi Ishikawa’s four games win over the in-form Lily Zhang (11-5, 11-13, 11-3, 11-9) secured a 3-0 success for the host nation over USA – The result sees Japan top Group B.
Over in Group D, Korea Republic has doubled its advantage over Hong Kong, China to 2-0 following Suh Hyowon’s narrow victory over Soo Wai Yam Minnie (11-5, 11-9, 11-13, 9-11, 11-6).
Third seeds draw level
Women’s Teams – Groups
Off to a sluggish start but Chinese Taipei are back level with Romania once again after Cheng I-Ching emerged victorious in her encounter with Bernadette Szocs (11-9, 7-11, 11-9, 11-6).
Moving back over towards Group A and Team China’s opening day has drawn to a positive conclusion with Chen Meng’s outing against Ganna Gaponova (11-1, 5-11, 12-10, 11-2) sealing a 3-0 win for the title favourites.
Wang Manyu doubles advantage
Women’s Teams – Groups
The situation is beginning to look very positive for China in their second fixture of the day in Group A with Wang Manyu beating Solomiya Brateyko (11-2, 11-4, 11-6) to extend the top seed’s lead over Ukraine to 2-0.
Hosts Japan are also in a healthy position in their Group B meeting with Team USA after Mima Ito successfully saw off Wu Yue in straight games (12-10, 11-7, 11-6).
Romania leads Chinese Taipei
Women’s Teams – Groups
Elizabeta Samara and Daniela Monteiro Dodean have got Team Romania off to a bright start against Chinese Taipei in Group C following a 3-0 victory against Cheng Hsien-Tzu and Chen Su-Yu (11-7, 11-5, 11-8).
Over in Group D, Yang Haeun and Jeon Jihee have bested Lee Ho Ching and Doo Hoi Kem by a convincing 3-0 margin (11-3, 11-9, 11-2) to put Korea Republic ahead against Hong Kong, China.
Quick start for Chinese and Japanese contingent
Women’s Teams – Groups
It’s didn’t take long for top seeds China to establish an early advantage in their Group A evening tie with Ukraine as Ding Ning and Chen Meng came out on top against Tetyana Bilenko and Ganna Gaponova 3-0 (12-10, 11-4, 11-4).
The doubles fixture in Japan’s Group B encounter with USA was also decided in straight games with the host nation’s Miu Hirano and Kasumi Ishikawa outclassing Amy Wang and Lily Zhang in their meeting (11-4, 11-5, 11-7).
Final session of the day
With the men’s team action out of the way we’ve reached the concluding session of day one in Tokyo as the women’s team event resumes with the second set of group stage fixtures.
Eric Jouti close to upset but Germany powers through
Men’s Teams – Groups
A brave effort from Eric Jouti but the Brazilian wasn’t quite able to pull one back for his team as Patrick Franziska fought back from a 1-2 deficit to defeat the 25-year-old 3-2 (12-10, 7-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-9). With two wins from two fixtures, Team Germany has emerged as Group C winners.
Bringing the men’s team action to a conclusion for the day Jang Woojin picked up his second success of Korea Republic’s match with Sweden, prevailing over Jon Persson (11-7, 13-11, 6-11, 11-6) to confirm a 3-1 victory for the fourth seeds.
“Being the first match on the first day of the competition, it was a bit hard on me. after losing the doubles match, I was really focused on winning the second match because I knew that if I could win, we had a good chance against them. Generally, I think I did not play very well. I like the hall but this is my first time competing in the ITTF Team World Cup; it was a bit strange because of the style. Our target is to make it to the final to face China.” Jang Woojin
“the support from the fans really helped us”
Men’s Teams – Groups
Koki Niwa has reflected on Japan’s 3-1 victory over Austria, praising the home fans for showing their support:
“After the shock loss to England earlier today, I could not switch my mind away from the loss. This really affected me going into the second match against Austria and that really affected us in the doubles. But the support from the fans really helped us a lot. It is clear that we might come second from in the group and we will be meeting a top team, so we will take each match as they come.” Koki Niwa
Hosts come good in the end
Men’s Teams – Groups
Tomokazu Harimoto’s straight games success against Stefan Fegerl (11-7, 11-7, 11-6) completes the job for Japan as the host nation comes away with a 3-1 win over Austria in Group B. However, local fans must wait until tomorrow to discover if their beloved Japan has done enough to advance beyond the group stage.
Elsewhere, Lee Sangsu has beaten Kristian Karlsson over on table 3 (11-9, 11-7, 11-9) to give Korea Republic a 2-1 lead against Sweden in Group D.
Reaction from China vs Chinese Taipei
Men’s Teams – Groups
Here’s what Ma Long and Liao Cheng-Ting had to say following China’s 3-0 victory over Chinese Taipei:
“I am in Tokyo to help the team win this competition. But I must also admit that it has been difficult getting back into the game after months of absence.” Ma Long
“The Chinese are too strong for us to play against and we just have to continue to learn from them. But for us tomorrow is very important against Nigeria. We have to put the match against China behind us and focus on tomorrow’s game. I am confident we can scale through tomorrow as we are going to fight throughout the match.” Liao Cheng-Ting
Jang Woojin gets Korea back in the game
Men’s Teams – Groups
A slow start for fourth seeds Korea Republic against Sweden in Group D, but the Asian nation is back on equal terms with its European counterparts courtesy of Jang Woojin’s narrow, but crucial win against Anton Källberg (7-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8).
Looking over to Germany’s exciting duel with Brazil it is the European champions who look in control of proceedings in Group D after Dimitrij Ovtcharov recovered from a game down to see off Vitor Ishiy 3-1 (9-11, 12-10, 14-12, 11-8). Germany now lead the Latin American outfit 2-0.
Team China tops group
Men’s Teams – Groups
Playing at an incredible pace Team China has successfully sealed its spot at the summit of Group A following a superb performance from Xu Xin, who needed just three games to see off Chen Chien-An (11-3, 11-2, 11-6), handing the tournament favourites their second 3-0 victory of the campaign.
The mood is starting to brighten for the home supporters in Tokyo as Japan move ahead of Austria for the first time in their head-to-head battle thanks to Koki Niwa’s 3-2 win at Daniel Habesohn’s expense (11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 6-11, 11-6).
Japan levels the playing field
Men’s Teams – Groups
An early setback but hosts Japan have responded straight away in their second Group B fixture against Austria with Tomokazu Harimoto proving too strong for Robert Gardos (11-6, 11-9, 11-6). The score is sitting at 1-1 after two contests.
In Group A favourites China are looking to finish their match against Chinese Taipei in as little time as possible after a convincing victory from new World no.1 Fan Zhendong over rising star Lin Yun-Ju (11-4, 8-11, 11-8, 11-3) extended China’s lead to 2-0.
Comeback display from German combination
Men’s Teams – Groups
Just when it looked as though Brazil would strike an early lead against Group C opponents Germany the European champions recovered to turn the situation on its head: Timo Boll and Patrick Franziska fought back from two games down to beat Gustavo Tsuboi and Eric Jouti 3-2 (13-15, 12-14, 11-8, 11-7, 11-2).
All five games were also required in the doubles encounter over on table 4 as Jon Persson and Kristian Karlsson accounted for Jeoung Youngsik and Lee Sangsu (11-6, 5-11, 11-7, 10-12, 11-9) to put Sweden ahead against Korea Republic in Group D.
Ma Long and Xu Xin put China in front
Men’s Teams – Groups
In China’s Group A meeting with Chinese Taipei it is the former that gains an early lead in Tokyo with the formidable duo of Ma Long and Xu Xin powering past Liao Cheng-Ting and Chen Chien-An in straight games (11-4, 11-7, 11-3).
Over on table 2 Austria holds a surprise early advantage against Japan in Group B after Stefan Fegerl and Daniel Habesohn held off a late comeback attempt to see off Maharu Yoshimura and Koki Niwa 3-2 (11-7, 11-8, 10-12, 9-11, 11-6).
Ito and Hirano for the win!
Women’s Teams – Group B – Match 1
Miu Hirano and Mima Ito showcased to their home fans what they are all about in a simple, yet effective manner. Both Japanese youngsters won against Team Austria’s Karoline Mischek (11-4, 11-5, 11-2) and Liu Jia (11-5, 11-5, 11-7) in straight games respectively.
This meant Team Japan had their first win of the tournament beating Team Austria by an overall 3-0 score, something which the fans will hope is the sign of things to come in Tokyo.
Lee wraps up win, as Ishikawa-Hirano engage home crowd
Women’s Teams – Groups B & D – Match 1
Team Hong Kong China secured a 3-0 win over Team Brazil as Soo Wai Yam Minnie and Lee Ho Ching saw off Bruna Takahashi (11-5, 12-10, 11-8) and Jessica Yamada (11-1, 11-7, 11-7) respectively.
Over at Table 2, hosts Japan had Miu Hirano and Kasumi Ishikawa to thank for a stunning start as they beat Team Austria’s Karoline Mischek and Amelie Solja in straight games (11-8, 11-7, 11-7) to establish control over the tie.
Good wins for China and Chinese Taipei
Women’s Teams – Groups A & C – Match 1
Liu Shiwen wrapped up the tie with a straightforward win over Farah Abdel-Aziz (13-11, 11-6, 11-7) as Team China won their opening match against Team Egypt 3-0.
Chinese Taipei also followed in that direction, with Cheng I-Ching and Zhen Szu-Yu securing two wins over Stephanie Qwea and Anolyn Lulu respectively to record a 3-0 win over Team Vanuatu.
Home upsets as Pitchford leads England to victory
Men’s Teams – Groups B & D – Match 1
In a match drawn out of its proposed time-period, the home crowd was left wanting for more as Team Japan were hit by Liam Pitchford and Team England’s massive performance to give them a 3-1 overall win. After Paul Drinkhall beat Maharu Yoshimura with a comeback win (11-2, 4-11, 7-11, 11-3, 11-9), Pitchford sealed the deal with a brilliant win over Koki Niwa in straight games (11-8, 12-10, 11-5).
“We showed again today that we are a good team and we can beat any player in the singles but we just need to work on our doubles. It was a good feeling winning against Japan in such a beautiful hall. We have learnt to stay together and also have fun together and this has made us stronger as a team” Liam Pitchford
While the Japanese fans will want their side to do better in the coming matches, Team England could not have asked for a better start. Over at Table 4 Team Korea Republic gained an important 3-0 win over Team United States to kick-start their campaign.
China and Chinese Taipei edge closer to first wins
Women’s Teams – Groups A & C – Match 1
Cheng Hsien-Tzu and Chen Szu gave Chinese Taipei an impressive opening win over Team Vanuatu in straight games (11-1, 11-8, 11-2).
Meanwhile, Chinese Sun Yingsha beat Egypt’s Dina Meshref to give Team China a 2-0 overall lead in a match that will need something special from Team Egypt to recover.
Doo and Lee pushed, but not beaten
Women’s Teams – Group D – Match 1
Team Hong Kong China had an early challenge to battle through as Team Brazil’s Caroline Kumhara and Jessica Yamada pushed Doo Hoi Kem and Lee Ho Ching to a five-game encounter.
Taking a 2-0 lead in the match-up, Kumhara and Yamada truly set the cat amongst the pigeons. It needed the very best from Doo and Lee to put things in their favor again, getting the overall lead for their side by winning 3-2 (6-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-1, 11-3).
Ding and Liu combo give Team China perfect start
Women’s Teams – Group A – Match 1
China’s Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen kicked off their mornings in Tokyo by seeing off Team Egypt’s Reem El-Eraky and Farah Abdel-Aziz in a straight games win (11-4. 11-6, 11-7).
Starting the match off with forehand winners galore, Ding and Liu were in total tandem as gave their squad an early lead.
Pitchford hits back as as China roll on
Men’s Teams – Groups A & B – Match 1
Things are heating up nicely in Group B as Liam Pitchford just shocked Japanese teenage sensation Tomokazu Harimoto (again!) in a five-game thriller (6-11, 11-7, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8) evening up the score between the two teams.
Over at Table 1, Team China secured their win over Team Nigeria for the day, with Lin Gaoyuan trumping Olajide Omotayo in straight games (11-3, 11-4, 11-7).
“Nigeria team has improved tremendously compared to the last time we played against them at Rio 2016 Olympic Games. I feel they are playing better now considering their performance in major competitions” Ma Long
Jang builds lead while Germany secure win
Men’s Teams – Groups C & D – Match 1
Korea Republic’s shining star Jang Woojin won in style against the youthful American Kanak Jha (7-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-8) to give Team Korea a 2-0 lead into the match against Team United States.
Meanwhile for Team Germany, Dimitrij Ovtcharov won in straight games versus Team Australia’s Dillon Chambers (11-6, 11-8, 11-7), followed by Patrick Franziksa wrapping up the tie with a similar win over Kane Townsend, giving Team Germany a 3-0 win.
“The tournament is a great experience for us to play against the top teams in the world and this is the only platform we can also learn from playing against the best. This will surely help us to build confidence for subsequent tournaments. Even we can also be aiming to win against top teams. The next thing for us it to believe and know that we can also beat any team. I am happy and excited competing in this kind of tournament” Kane Townsend
Team China begin in control
Men’s Teams – Group A – Match 1
In probably the toughest match this morning, Team China are taking on Team Nigeria in the men’s category with Ma Long and Lin Gaoyuan starting out with a win over Olajide Omotayo and Bode Aboidun (11-4, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9).
Team China were certainly made to sweat in that match, and will be pleased to have come through unscathed. Even better, in the second match-up Liang Jingkun came out on top against Quadri Aruna (11-9, 11-7, 11-5) to give the Chinese side control over the tie.
Tough morning for the English
Men’s Teams – Group B – Match 1
The English team had a morning to forget as the home side of Japan were efficient in their first round win executed by Koki Niwa and Yoshimura Maharu over Tom Jarvis and Paul Drinkhall (11-7, 11-6, 11-7).
Pleasing the home crowd, Niwa and Maharu displayed a fine sense of camaraderie as the two were in tandem to prevent any comebacks from Jarvis & Drinkhall. Will the English be able to bounce back in the singles game?
Team Germany start strong
Men’s Teams – Groups C & D – Match 1
The Germans had a good morning here in Tokyo with the combination of Timo Boll and Patrick Franziska winning 3-0 (11-4, 11-6, 11-4) against Team Australia’s Kane Townsend and Xavier Dixon in the opening round of Group C.
Similarly at Table 4, Korea Republic’s Lee Sangsu and Jeoung Youngsik won 3-0 (11-5, 11-3, 11-7) against USA’s Kai Zhang and Yijun Feng in Group D.
