by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Li Ping was beaten by Iran’s Nima Alamian in a full distance seven games encounter (11-7, 8-11, 11-7, 9-11, 6-11, 14-12, 11-8); meanwhile in the opposite half of the draw, the latter’s elder brother emerged successful.
Noshad Alamiyan asserted his authority on proceedings and made his intentions crystal clear from the start; he overcame Turkey’s Li Ahmet in four straight games (11-9, 11-4, 11-8, 11-7).
“Today against Ahmet Li, it was a very good match but even though I won four-nil, it really difficult.” Noshad Alamiyan
The win for Noshad Alamiyan was anticipated; arguably it was the same for Nima Alamian against Li Ping. They had met once before on the international scene and the verdict had gone in favour of the Iranian.
At the Suzuki 2015 Asian Championships in Pattaya, in the third round of the Men’s Singles event Nima Alamiyan had beaten Li Pi ng in five game (13-11, 3-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-6).
“Li Ping is a good player it was not easy for sure, he is the no.1 seed but last time when played in 2015, I won four-one, I kept the same strategy and I won today four-three.” Nima Alamian
Defeat for Turkey but for the country which straddles eastern Europe and western Asia, there was success.
At the semi-final stage of the Women’s Singles event, Hu Melek beat the host nation’s Wang Miao (11-1, 11-7, 9-11, 11-16, 14-12); the latter’s colleague, Ning Zhing, overcame Iran’s Neda Shahsavari (11-5, 12-10, 9-11, 11-4, 11-3).
“It is the first time to represent Azerbaijan in home, it was great feeling to have the support of the crowd; I will do everything in the team event to make them happy. I lost to Hu Melek but I did my best.“ Wang Miao
“We have made lot of progress in Azerbaijan to be ready for these Games. I think we can win two gold medals; we have a very good team. I hope I can bring happiness to the spectators who have supported us.” Ning Zhing
The finals of both the Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles event will be player later in the day.
4th Islamic Solidarity Games: Results – Men’s Singles (Friday 19th May0
4th Islamic Solidarity Games: Results – Women’s Singles (Friday 19th May)