by Simon Daish

We’re now approaching the business end of the first week at Tokyo 2020, with both singles events entering the closing stages.

Thursday’s programme opens with back-to-back semi-final encounters in the Women’s Singles draw with China’s Chen Meng and Singapore’s Yu Mengyu clashing at 11.00 local time. Then, from 12.00, we’ll see two of the sport’s most exciting young talents in action as China’s Sun Yingsha and Japan’s Mima Ito meet face-to-face in what promises to be another dynamic contest between the two.

The edge of the seat drama continues as China’s Fan Zhendong and Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yun-Ju take centre stage in the first Men’s Singles semi-final at 15.00, with Germany’s Dimitrij Ovtcharov and Rio 2016 gold medallist Ma Long facing off at 16.00.

There are also two Women’s Singles medal opportunities on day six, with the bronze medal match taking place from 20.00 before we find out which player will leave Tokyo with the gold medal around their neck at 21.00.

Details for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, including scheduling information, can also be accessed here.

For all the latest Tokyo 2020 news on ITTF.com & Worldtabletennnis.com