by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

The number of unforced errors could be counted on one hand; the no.2 seeds, they overcame Chinese Taipei’s Chen Szu-Yu and Cheng I-Ching, the no.5 seeds, in three straight games (11-6, 11-6, 11-8).

Throughout the contest, the Japanese teenagers were the first to seize the initiate; my view is that Hina Hayata’s great strength is her backhand but after watching the doubles’ duel I may have to re-think my assessment. The fact that she is left handed and Mima Ito right handed, meant that time and again she was afforded the opportunity to release a lethal forehand top spin.

Both gave each other space to play, Mima Ito with her fast backhand drive style attacking play was able to change direction from east to west and west to east at will.

Equally, Hina Hayata and Mima Ito proved the superior pair over the table, creating angles; time and again Chen Szu-Yu and Cheng I-Ching were fighting to stay in the point.

“We have a good understanding; Hina gives me a lot of space to play.” Mima Ito

“I was able to attack very quickly, Mima’s short play was good, it gave me opportunities.” Hina Hayata

Impressive from Hina Hayata and Mima Ito; it was exactly the same from China’s Chen Meng and Zhu Yuling, the no.3 seeds, they beat Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem and Lee Ho Ching, the top seeds in a most authoritative manner, a straight games win was the outcome (11-5, 13-11, 11-6).

In the second game Doo Hoi Kem had an opportunity; they led 10-8 and then 11-10 but were unable to convert the game points. In the third game they lost the first three points, called “Time Out” but to no avail; Chen Meng and Zhu Yuling won six of the next seven points. It was game over.

Scheduled to start at 2.00pm (local time) the Women’s Doubles final will be played on Sunday 19th November.