by Simon Daish
Born in China in 1992 Tian Minwei, now Jeon Jihee, has only recently become eligible to represent Korea Republic on the World Championships stage hence why she is making her debut in Budapest.
Competing at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro where she reached the fourth round of women’s singles action, Jeon Jihee also helped the United Korea team to a historic bronze medal finish at last year’s World Team Championships in Halmstad.
However, Jeon Jihee isn’t Korea’s highest seeded player in the women’s singles draw at the 2019 World Championships with that honour falling to Suh Hyowon, seeded 10th.
Two years back Suh Hyowon was halted by China’s Liu Shiwen in the Round of 32 – how far can she go in Budapest? Surely the aim will be a top 16 finish at the very least, but the elegant defender has the potential to go further.
Lee Zion, Choi Hyojoo and Yoo Eunchong will also be present in Budapest, however, in somewhat of a surprise move there’s no room for the highly experienced Yang Haeun, despite her involvement at the previous four editions of the event.
Hyun Junghwa won Korea Republic’s sole women’s singles gold at the 1993 World Championships in Gothenburg – 26 years later will another Korean player add their name to the list?
Watch the world’s biggest stars compete for international glory by grabbing your tickets for the Liebherr 2019 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships below:
