Qualifier’s noteworthy journey concludes
Women’s Singles: Round of 16
A star feature in the women’s singles race, qualifier Kim Hye-Song’s fantastic run draws to a halt in the last 16.
The DPR Korea player, who toppled three seeded opponents on her way to this stage of the competition, was finally bested by China’s Wu Yang with the no.8 seed needing just the four games (11-2, 11-9, 11-4, 11-7). Defeated but Kim Hye-Song deserves huge praise for her efforts!
Hu Melek powers into last eight (Paris 2013)
Women’s Singles: Round of 16
She has done it! Hu Melek continues to defy the odds here in Paris after the no.57 seed from Turkey confirmed her spot in the women’s singles quarter-finals!
Carole Grundisch, Viktoria Pavlovich and Matilda Ekholm all fell by Hu’s sword in the previous rounds, now you can add Spanish no.6 seed Shen Yanfei to the list following another fine outing from the Turkish sensation (6-11, 13-15, 11-9, 13-11, 11-5, 11-6).
Former bronze medallist departs (Paris 2013)
Men’s Singles: Round of 32
Ten years ago in this very city, Kalinikos Kreanga struck men’s singles bronze at the 2003 World Championships but on his return to the French capital here in 2013 the Greek defender’s journey concludes in the Round of 32.
Taking on a man seeded 39 positions above him in China’s Yan An, 41-year-old legend Kreanga gave a good account of himself but it wasn’t to be as Yan ran out 4-1 winner on this occasion (11-8, 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, 11-3).
Cheung and Jiang edge Hong Kong China classic (Paris 2013)
Mixed Doubles: Quarter-Finals
Spectators have just witnessed a breathtaking match between two exciting partnerships from Hong Kong China.
The higher seeded pair but Cheung Yuk and Jiang Huajun, fifth, found themselves 1-3 down to Jiang Tianyi and Lee Ho Ching, leaving the no.9 seeds just one game away from victory. Throwing everything at it with nothing left to lose, Cheung and Jiang mounted a remarkable recovery to come away with a narrow 4-3 win (9-11, 10-12, 11-6, 4-11, 11-6, 12-10, 11-8). What a contest!
Comeback joy for Japanese underdogs (Paris 2013)
Men’s Doubles: Round of 16
Seeded 10th for the men’s doubles event, Japan’s Kazuhiro Chan and Kenji Matsudaira have stunned the Parisian crowd with a mighty comeback effort to reach the quarter-finals.
Ranked outsiders in their last 16 tie, Chan and Matsudaira fought back from a 1-3 deficit to beat Chinese no.3 seeds Chen Qi and Fang Bo 4-3 (11-8, 3-11, 10-12, 4-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-6). World men’s doubles champion in 2007 and 2009, and present in the 2011 final, Chen Qi’s early elimination is a true scalp!
China returns to the top (Gothenburg 1993)
Women’s Team: Final
Runners-up two years ago in Chiba, Team China has successfully been reunited with women’s team gold at the 1993 World Championships here in Gothenburg.
Facing off against DPR Korea in the final China proved relatively untroubled throughout the course of the match, striking a 3-0 win. The result means China has now secured the title for a whopping 10th occasion – congratulations to the 1993 women’s team champions!