Yoshimura and Odo Eliminate Top Seeds
In the day’s biggest surprise, Japan’s 16th seeds Maharu Yoshimura and Satsuki Odo produced a sensational performance to eliminate top seeds Lin Shidong and Kuai Man of China 3-1 (8-11, 11-5, 13-11, 12-10) in the Mixed Doubles quarter-finals. After dropping the opening game, the Japanese pair showed remarkable resilience to win three consecutive games, including two nail-biting deuce games, to secure one of the most notable upsets of the championships.
Ionescu and Robles Stun Japan’s Fourth Seeds
The surprises continued in Men’s Doubles as Romania’s Ovidiu Ionescu and Spain’s Alvaro Robles stunned Japan’s fourth-seeded pairing of Tomokazu Harimoto and Sora Matsushima 3-2 (9-11, 14-12, 4-11, 11-9, 11-9). In a match of fluctuating fortunes, the European combination showed tremendous fighting spirit to come back from 1-2 down and clinch a dramatic victory in the deciding game.
Germans Stage Thrilling Comeback
Germany’s Sabine Winter and Yuan Wan added to the day’s dramatic moments by eliminating Chinese Taipei’s Tsai and Huang 3-2 (8-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-7) in Women’s Doubles. After dropping the first two games, the German duo staged an incredible comeback to win three consecutive games and secure their place in the quarter-finals, continuing their impressive run after previously eliminating China’s third seeds.
Meanwhile in the men’s singles, Germany’s Patrick Franziska produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the tournament, overturning a 0-3 deficit to defeat Korea Republic’s Cho Daeseong 4-3 (7-11, 9-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-4, 11-3) in a breathtaking encounter. Having lost two of their three previous meetings, Franziska struggled early as Cho dominated the opening exchanges, but the German showed incredible mental strength to turn the match around completely, winning four consecutive games with increasing authority.
Wong and Doo Maintain Winning Form
While surprises dominated the morning headlines, Hong Kong, China’s third seeds Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem maintained order in their Mixed Doubles quarterfinal, defeating Spain’s Alvaro Robles and Maria Xiao 3-0 (11-1, 11-5, 11-7) in a commanding performance.
Miwa Harimoto Triumphs in Seven-Game Thriller Against Kim
In one of the day’s most anticipated singles encounters, Japan’s fifth seed Miwa Harimoto avenged her Asian Championships final defeat by overcoming Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Kim Kum Yong 4-3 (11-8, 5-11, 11-6, 7-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-3) in a thrilling contest. The 16-year-old showed remarkable composure in the deciding game to advance to the Round of 16.
Calderano and Lin Yun-Ju Secure Singles Victories
The ITTF World Cup Champion, Hugo Calderano recovered from a slow start to defeat Kazakhstan’s Kirill Gerassimenko 4-2 (9-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-5, 11-9, 11-7), while Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yun-Ju looked in excellent form with a commanding 4-0 (11-8, 11-8, 11-8, 11-10) win over Austria’s Daniel Habesohn.
In the Women’s Singles, Japan’s eighth seed Mima Ito overcame a spirited challenge from Poland’s Natalia Bajor to win 4-2 (11-7, 11-9, 11-9, 1-11, 2-11, 11-9), while her compatriot Hina Hayata had to work hard to defeat Czech Republic’s Hana Matelova 4-2 (7-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 11-10).
Shin Yubin Ends Monfardini’s Remarkable Journey
Italy’s Gaia Monfardini saw her remarkable run come to an end against Korea Republic’s ninth seed Shin Yubin, who prevailed 4-1 (11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 11-14, 11-6). Despite the defeat, Monfardini’s breakthrough performance in Doha, which included a stunning upset of Hong Kong, China’s 28th seed Doo Hoi Kem, marks her as a rising star to watch.
Lebrun Brothers Advance After Early Scare
France’s top-seeded Men’s Doubles pairing of Felix and Alexis Lebrun moved into the quarterfinals with a 3-1 (10-12, 11-5, 11-3, 11-5) victory over Sweden’s Anton Kallberg and Truls Moregard. After losing the opening game, the French siblings dominated the remainder of the match to reinforce their status as one of the favourites.
With the afternoon session now underway, more exciting action awaits. Follow all the live action on the WTT YouTube channel and stay updated with results here.
