Tokyo awaits Hong Kong, China!!!
Entering the tie as big favourites and Hong Kong, China has lived up to those expectations with Ng Pak Nam beating Tomas Polansky in straight games (11-7, 11-6, 11-3).
Ng Pak Nam’s victory adds a third to Hong Kong, China’s tally and secures a ticket to Tokyo 2020 in the process, resulting in wild celebrations for the 10th seeds.
“I think this match is very important for our team. I am very happy for us, it was the last ticket for Tokyo. If I didn’t get injured before I think we could have qualified easier in the 1st stage, because stage 2 was very difficult.” Wong Chun Ting
Exciting comeback but Sirucek left disappointed
What a match! Pavel Sirucek has just taken one of the world’s finest right down to the wire in a tense encounter.
Wong Chun Ting looked certain to complete a comfortable win over the Czech after establishing a 2-0 lead but Sirucek had other ideas, earning back-to-back game successes to force the penhold expert to a fifth and deciding game. Making his experience count, Wong wasn’t fazed and eventually got the job done 3-2 (11-6, 11-8, 7-11, 9-11, 11-7).
Ho Kwan Kit and Ng Pak Nam recover
Early momentum in the doubles appeared to favour the so-called “underdogs” as Lubomir Jancarik and Tomas Polansky emerged the victors in game one. However, Ho Kwan Kit and Ng Pak Nam tightened up their performance and avoided any further drama, winning the contest 3-1 (8-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-7).
Hong Kong, China moves one step closer to Olympic qualification – can Czech Republic respond?
Hong Kong, China vs Czech Republic
It is time for the final match at the 2020 ITTF World Team Qualification tournament in Gondomar as Hong Kong, China and the Czech Republic battle it out for the final remaining men’s team ticket for Tokyo 2020.
Shin Yubin sends Korea Republic to Tokyo!!!
That’s it! Korea Republic takes the final women’s team spot up for grabs in the race to Tokyo 2020 after successfully completing a 3-1 victory over France. 15-year-old Shin Yubin needed just three games to gain the upper hand over Marie Migot (11-9, 11-9, 11-7) in the fourth fixture of the match to shatter French dreams in Gondomar.
“This was a very big game… In both matches I was afraid, but then more and more felt confident. I’m very happy with the victory. I want to get a medal at the Olympics!” Shin Yubin
Hope restored, Yuan keeps contest alive
2-9 down in the opening game, Yuan Jia Nan pulled off an incredible comeback at the start of her encounter with Choi Hyojoo and didn’t look back, following it up with victories in games two and three to complete a commanding 3-0 win (13-11, 11-8, 11-5).
The result reduces the deficit to 2-1 overall and keeps French hopes of an upset alive. Can Marie Migot follow suit against Shin Yubin?
Lee doubles advantage, pressure mounts for France
It’s another win in Korea Republic’s favour in the all-important women’s team final here in Gondomar as Lee Eunhye sees off Marie Migot by a 3-1 margin (11-13, 11-4, 12-10, 11-4).
Migot showed great courage throughout the match and made life difficult for her Korean opponent. But Migot missed a fantastic opportunity in game three, failing to capitalise on a 3-8 lead and ultimately couldn’t find a way back into the fight. Korea Republic now leads France 2-0.
Early plaudits go to Koreans
A strong opening game display from the French duo of Loeuillette and Yuan but it’s Shin and Choi who hold the lead heading into game four.
Down 6-4, the French call for a time out which appears to work as the European outfit claims four points in a row. However, it’s not enough as Shin and Yuan complete a 3-1 victory (8-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-9) to put Korea Republic 1-0 ahead.
Time for action
The women’s doubles final will open with doubles action as Stephanie Loeuillette and Yuan Jia Nan of France take on Korea’s Shin Yubin and Choi Hyojoo.
France vs Korea Republic
Welcome back for the penultimate contest of the day as France and Korea Republic do battle in the women’s team final. Which team will claim ninth position and reserve its place at Tokyo 2020?
And also for Czech Republic
Lubomir Jancarik was the hero for Team Czech Republic, seeing off Adam Szudi in a stunning battle (5-11, 12-10, 13-11, 11-3). Despite being a game down, Jancarik dug deep against the Hungarian to claw out the final win for putting his side in the men’s team final later today.
“I think we all played really well. We are all in good shape, and we are proving our quality. That we won 3-0 is very good. Hungary is also playing very good this tournament. We wanted to win! I must give credit to Szudi he was playing really well, but I have been playing Bundesliga and many other experiences. I think that helped me win this game.” Lubomir Jancarik
Finals for Hong Kong China
Ng Pak Nam has beaten Alexander Valuch 3-1 (12-10, 11-6, 7-11, 11-9) to secure Team Hong Kong China a spot in the finals here in Gondomar. It was a brilliant 3-0 win for the Asian side, with Team Slovakia unable to breakthrough the powerful shots of the Hong Kong China athletes.
Double up for Czech Republic
Team Czech Republic are moving closer to the final as Pavel Sirucek saw off Bence Majoros in straight games (11-9, 11-2, 11-9), putting Hungary 0-2 down going into the third battle.
It was the same for Team Hong Kong China, as Wong Chun Ting took account of Slovakia’s Wang Yang 3-0 (11-5, 11-9, 11-6) and handed the Asian side a 2-0 lead.
Lead for Hong Kong China
Welcome to the men’s team semi-final, with Team Hong Kong China taking an early 1-0 lead against Team Slovakia, thanks to the performance of Ho Kwan Kit and Ng Pak Nam against Alexander Valuch and Lubomir Pistej (7-11, 11-4, 11-7, 7-11, 11-4).
Team Czech Republic meanwhile, also lead Team Hungary by 1-0 after Lubomir Jancarik and Tomas Polansky beat Nandor Ecseki and Adam Szudi in a five-game thriller (8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-2, 11-7).
Check the score!
Order of Play
- 10.00 Table No.1 Men’s Team Semi-Final: Czech Republic versus Hungary
- 10.00 Table No.2 Men’s Team Semi-Final: Slovakia versus Hong Kong China
- 16.00 Table No.1 Women’s Team Final: Korea Republic versus France
- 19.00 Table No.1 Men’s Team Final
