An Jaehyun Eliminates Felix Lebrun
In the day’s biggest surprise, Korea Republic’s An Jaehyun upset France’s Felix Lebrun 4-3 in a thrilling encounter that went the distance. The result ended the young Frenchman’s impressive singles campaign and provided one of the tournament’s most significant upsets, considering Lebrun’s status as one of the sport’s rising stars.
Togami’s Miraculous Double Escape
Japan’s Shunsuke Togami produced another dramatic moment, pulling off an astonishing comeback against Slovenia’s 11th seed Darko Jorgic. Saving match point at 9-10 in the sixth game, Togami then recovered from 6-9 down in the decider before saving another match point at 9-10. The Japanese star completed a stunning 4-3 victory and will now face Sweden’s Olympic silver medallist Truls Moregard in the quarterfinals.
Top Seeds Advance with Authority
China’s number one seeds Lin Shidong and Sun Yingsha both secured their quarterfinal spots. Lin dismissed Sweden’s Anton Källberg 4-0, while Sun overcame Korea Republic’s Shin Yubin 4-2 in a more testing encounter.
Brazil’s third seed Hugo Calderano cruised past Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna 4-0, while China’s second seed Wang Chuqin ended France’s Simon Gauzy’s impressive run with a 4-2 victory. England’s Tom Jarvis saw his remarkable tournament come to an end against China’s Liang Jingkun 4-2.
Women’s Quarterfinals Feature China-Japan Clashes
Croatia’s Lea Rakovac’s fairytale run ended against Japan’s fourth seed Satsuki Odo 4-0. The 134th-ranked Croatian had captured hearts with victories over Japan’s 15th seed Miu Hirano and Korea Republic’s 17th seed Suh Hyo Won.
The Women’s Singles quarterfinals will feature compelling matchups between the world’s top nations. China’s Wang Yidi will face Japan’s Mima Ito, while Chen Xingtong meets Wang Manyu in an all-Chinese affair, and Hina Hayata takes on Miwa Harimoto in an all-Japanese encounter.
Doubles Action Continues
Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yun-Ju and Kao Cheng-Jui continued their impressive partnership by eliminating China’s third-seeded Lin Shidong and Lin Gaoyuan 4-1 (11-5, 11-9, 5-11, 11-8) to reach the Men’s Doubles quarterfinals.
Two-time defending Mixed Doubles World Champions Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha advanced to the semifinals despite losing the opening game to Japan’s Sora Matsushima and Miwa Harimoto, eventually winning 3-1 (6-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-9).
Competition continues Friday with an exciting Men’s Doubles quarterfinal between top seeds Felix and Alexis Lebrun against Sweden’s 14th seeds Mattias Falck and Kristian Karlsson, as the French brothers look to bounce back from Felix’s singles disappointment.
With the quarterfinal stage set across all events, Day 7 promises more compelling action as the world’s best continue their pursuit of glory in Doha.
