by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

Required to compete in the qualification competition, Li Chang Wan and Liu Qi experienced defeat at the hands of top seeds, Japan’s Hina Hayata and Mima Ito (11-9, 11-8, 11-3); Ng Wing Nam and Minnie Soo Wai Yam, the no.6 seeds, departed proceedings losing to China’s Chen Xingtong and Sun Yingsha, the no.4 seeds (11-1, 11-13, 11-2, 11-5).

Defeats but not for Doo Hoi Kem and Lee Ho Ho Ching, the national association’s leading pair; It was success, the no.3 seeds, they accounted for Singaporean qualifiers Yu Mengyu and Zeng Jian (11-9, 11-9, 11-5).

“The match was faster than expected. We did lots of preparation for this match as both opponents are very strong in singles. We expect the next round will be a tough one and we will try our best to play and get the medal in the home stadium.” Doo Hoi Kem

Comfortable margins of victory, in the one remaining Women’s Doubles quarter-final contest, it was very different; China’s Chen Ke and Wang Manyu, the no.5 seeds, emerged successful but only just. They were severely tested by Japanese qualifiers, 13 year old Miyuu Kihara and 15 years of age Miyu Nagasaki; they emerged successful but only just, a five games win, determined by the minimal two point margin, was the eventual outcome (8-11, 11-7, 9-11. 11-4, 12-10).

At the quarter-final stage Hina Hayata and Mima Ito meet Chen Xingtong and Sun Yingsha; Doo Hoi Kem and Lee Ho Ching oppose Chen Ke and Wang Manyu; the matches will take place later in the day.