by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

In the Men’s Singles event, Hokuto Koriyma beat colleague Yusuke Sadamatsu in the title deciding contest (11-9, 11-8, 16-14, 11-5) having earlier in the proceedings ended the hopes ogf the host nation by overcoming Benedek Olah; a somewhat disappointing 13th place was to be the end result for the host nation’s leading player.

Third place in the Men’s Singles event finished in the hands of Russia’s Lev Katsman.

“We are happy with the arrangements. On the basis of feedback, both players and coaches are satisfied with our competition, venue, meals and accommodation being nearby; of course we hoped that Benedek Olah would have played in the final.” Esko Heikkinen, Chair of the Finnish Table Tennis Association

Impressive from Hokuto Koriyma, it was arguably even more impressive from Minami Ando, at the final hurdle of the Women’s Singles event, she beat compatriot Mai Asada in four straight games (11-6, 11-6, 11-9, 11-5); Switzerland’s Rachel Moret finished in third position.