by Henry Chen

“I am Ma Long’s fan. I am just a player who respects him. There are no other ideas aside from that.” Kasumi Ishikawa

The statement from the 23-year old Ishikawa is a response to the news about her being broken by the announcement of Ma Long’s girlfriend to the public.

Ma Long, after completing his dream as an athlete in the Rio Olympic Games, then admitted that he is in a happy relationship with his girlfriend; the statement that was announced on Saturday 15th October.

It was an announcement was perceived to be breaking a lot of hearts of women…. including the Japanese table tennis star Kasumi Ishikawa.

The story about Ishikawa having certain feelings for Ma Long started at the ZEN NOH 2014 World Team Championships. At that time, the Japanese star was interviewed and was asked who could be her preferred partner in the Mixed Doubles if given a chance.

Kasumi Ishikawa answered: “Ma Long”. Recently Kasumi Ishikawa stated clearly that she just admires Ma Long as a player.

“I also saw this news in Yahoo Japan but there is really nothing. I don’t know why people were able to think that way”, Kasumi Ishikawa

Kasumi Ishikawa was recently seen in the Narita Airport preparing for her flight to Stockholm, Sweden. The player is scheduled to represent the Japanese Team in the 2016 ITTF World Tour Swedish Open.

She said that she is having a hard time in adjusting her competitive state. So she hopes to find her momentum and be able to perform well in this week’s competition; her first match in Stockholm is scheduled for Friday 18th November at 10.00am, local time.

“I hope I can have a new challenge. I hope to find the problems and be able to have a better performance.” Kasumi Ishikawa

Keep updated with the latest news and updates on the 2016 ITTF World Tour Swedish Open, click here.