by Ian Marshall, Editor

Both are results that could well have ramifications with regards to the Women’s Singles invitation list for the forthcoming US$ 1,000,000 Seamaster 2018 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals to be staged in Incheon in December.

Presently, following the Seamaster 2018 ITTF World Swedish Open, Jeon Jihee occupies the 16th and final place (308 points); He Zhuojia by competing in Austria meets the five appearance criteria for the year, at the moment she is in 17th position (279 points).

Also, added the scenario, Wang Yidi, likewise from China and in 18th place (257 points) experienced a second preliminary round Women’s Singles defeat at the hands of Japan’s Honoka Hashimoto (11-5, 9-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5). Conversely Yang Haeun, like Jeon Jihee from the Korea Republic, beat Japan’s Yui Hamamoto (9-11, 13-11, 12-10, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6). Currently on the Standings, Yang Haeun occupies the no.19 spot (250 points).

At a Platinum tournament, 25 points are awarded for reaching round one, 50 points for advancing to round two and 100 points for a quarter-final finish; the heat is on for the precious last places.

Surprises outcomes, for the remaining leading names in the top half of the draw in the second Women’s Singles preliminary round, there was success for the leading names.

Notably, Japan’s Saki Shibata, already assured of a Grand Finals place, beat Korea Republic’s Choi Hyojoo (5-11, 4-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 11-7), Romania’s Bernadette Szocs accounted for Spain’s Maria Xiao (9-11, 11-4, 4-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-4).

Likewise, Japan’s Hina Hayata ended the hopes of Ukraine’s Tetyana Bilenko (11-9, 11-8, 11-6, 11-3), DPR Korea’s Kim Song I halted the aspirations of Germany’s Kristin Lang (6-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-6, 13-11, 11-6).

The qualification tournament concludes later in the day.