Stage 2 of ITTF Mixed Team World Cup Chengdu 2024 presented by CHINA TELECOM has arrived, and it hasn’t taken long for two major title contenders to flex their muscle, with Korea Republic and Japan claiming big wins on the afternoon of Day 4. 

Flying through Stage 1 at a rate of knots, Korea Republic looked to continue exactly where it left off, but hit an early setback on Wednesday as Hong Kong, China struck success in the Mixed Doubles. 

However, the tide quickly turned in Korea Republic’s favour as Shin Yubin kicked the afterburners into action, storming past Ng Wing Lam 3-0 (12-10, 11-8, 11-6) before An Jaehyun followed up with a ruthless display against Lam Siu Hang (11-4, 15-13, 11-9). 

Needing just one more game to end the contest, Korea Republic turned to Oh Junsung and Cho Daeseong in the Men’s Doubles, and they lived up to the task, seeing off Wong Chun Ting and Chan Baldwin (12-10) to bring home a statement 8-2 win. 

FOLLOW TOURNAMENT ACTION 

Japan leads the Stage 2 standings at the end of the first session after pulling off a commanding 8-1 win over USA. 

The early signs looked promising for USA with Sally Moyland and Nandan Naresh picking up a game in the opening doubles match, but the American duo would still emerge second best against Kaho Akae and Yuta Tanaka (11-9, 11-2, 11-9), a result that would set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. 

With Asuka Sasao putting three games past Kayla Goodwin (11-6, 11-4, 11-3), all Japan required from that point on was another three games, and those games didn’t take long to arrive as Keishi Hagihara put on a clinic against Jishan Liang (11-9, 11-9, 11-4) to propel Japan to eight games. 

“It was the first time I played in the Women’s Singles, and although I was very nervous, I felt that I played well today. My serve worked. It’s also a good experience for the next matches. I am very happy to be able to play in the Women’s Singles today.” Asuka Sasao