France’s Charlotte Lutz produced a sensational performance to defeat Korea Republic’s highly-rated Lee Eunhye 4-2 (7-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 12-10, 11-8). After dropping the first two games, Lutz showed remarkable mental fortitude to win four consecutive games.
Czech Republic’s Matelova Dismantles 27th Seed
The Czech Republic’s Hana Matelova delivered a clinical performance to eliminate Egypt’s 27th-seeded Dina Meshref in straight games (11-7, 11-3, 11-3, 11-7), sending a clear message that rankings count for little at this elite level of competition.
Australian Duo Stuns German Stars
The 15th-seeded Australian pair of Bae and Sareen pulled off a remarkable victory against the German combination of Franziska and Ovtcharov. The young Australians dominated proceedings with a straight games 3-0 win over their more experienced opponents. ITTF Hopes Programme alumnus Aditya Sareen showed tremendous skill and composure, highlighting the effectiveness of the ITTF development pathway.
Chinese Taipei’s Huang Stages Remarkable Comeback
In one of the day’s final blockbuster upsets, Chinese Taipei’s Huang Yu-Chiao defeated 23rd seed Kim Nayeong of Korea Republic in a seven-game thriller, 4-3 (11-7, 4-11, 10-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7). Showing tremendous resilience, Huang fought back multiple times to claim a memorable victory.
World’s Top Stars Advance
Lin Shidong Makes Statement
Top seed Lin Shidong of China made a powerful start to his Men’s Singles campaign, dispatching England’s Liam Pitchford 4-0 (11-9, 12-10, 11-2, 11-9) in a commanding performance that demonstrated why he’s considered the favourite for the title.
Harimoto Siblings Shine
Japan’s teenage sensation Miwa Harimoto lived up to expectations in her World Championships Finals debut, defeating Ukraine’s experienced Margaryta Pesotska 4-1. Her brother Tomokazu Harimoto claimed a convincing 4-1 victory over Korea Republic’s Lim Jonghoon in their highly-anticipated clash.
Calderano Makes Winning Start
Brazil’s Hugo Calderano, fresh from his ITTF Men’s World Cup win last month, looked in imperious form, defeating Mexico’s Rogelio Castro 4-1 (11-9, 11-3, 11-11, 1-11, 11-4) to begin his World Championship campaign.
Lin Gaoyuan Tested But Progresses
China’s Lin Gaoyuan was pushed hard by Egypt’s Youssef Abdelaziz before prevailing 4-2 (6-11, 11-8, 11-6, 1-11, 11-7, 11-6) in an entertaining encounter that highlighted Abdelaziz’s talent on the world stage.
Continental Showcase
European Strength on Display
European champions continued to make their mark, with Romania’s Elizabeta Samara dispatching Italy’s Debora Vivarelli in straight games and Sweden’s Linda Bergstrom overcoming Ukraine’s Solomiya Brateyko 4-1. Croatia’s Lea Rakovac also impressed with a dominant 4-0 victory over New Caledonia’s Maylis Giret.
Asian Dominance Continues
Hong Kong, China’s Wong Chun Ting looked in excellent touch with a 4-0 win over Canada’s Edward Ly, while Singapore’s Zeng Jian recovered from a slow start to defeat Chile’s Daniela Ortega 4-2 (6-9, 11-5, 11-6, 9-11, 11-11, 11-4).
Pan American Progress
USA’s Kanak Jha survived a scare against Brazil’s Guilherme Teodoro, eventually prevailing 4-3 (11-5, 11-10, 5-12, 11-9, 10-11, 11-11, 11-8) in one of the day’s most grueling encounters. Argentina’s Horacio Cifuentes impressed with a commanding 4-0 win over Tunisia’s Milhane Jellouli.
African Challenge
Though many African players faced tough opposition, they showed competitive spirit throughout. Egypt’s Youssef Abdelaziz pushed China’s Lin Gaoyuan hard in their encounter, demonstrating the growing strength of African table tennis at the elite level.
Looking Ahead to Day 3
With the Round of 64 in singles events and the Round of 32 in doubles competitions set to begin tomorrow, the intensity will only increase. Several intriguing matchups await, with more potential for upsets and breakthrough performances.
