(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT)
Iran’s Noshad Alamiyan came from behind to upset Liang Jingkun in the first Men’s Singles match of the day at the WTT’s Saudi Smash. A few hours later, Denmark’s Jonathan Groth equaled the result with a win over Lin Gaoyuan. Groth came out on fire, winning the first two games, dropping the third 12-14, and then closing the door in the fourth with a 13-11 win.
On the Men’s side, Wang Chuqin, Quadri Aruna, Cho Daeseong, Darko Jorgic, and Hugo Calderano have all advanced as well. However, there are 9 more matches scheduled today, so perhaps more surprises are in store.
Women’s singles also had a pair of upsets in the morning matches. The biggest of those wins was India’s Manika Batra who topped World No. 2 Wang Manyu 3-1. Wang took the first game easily, but then Batra rolled forward with three games in a row (two of those were comfortable wins and the final game was a tight 12-10 win to seal the victory). The other upset this morning was Miyuu Khara over Shin Yubin (World No. 7). As it stands right now, Japan has three players into the Round of 16. China will play in five of the remaining 8 matches in this round – but many of those matches are scheduled for tomorrow. USA’s Lily Zhang is one of those Tuesday matches, scheduled to play Korea’s Jeon Jihee for a chance to move into the Final 16.
This year’s Saudi Smash has 2 million dollars in prize money, and the winners will get 2000 ranking points. Nealy every top player in the world is competing – with the men having 47 of the World Top 50, and the women’s draw with 44 of the World’s Top 50.
Lots of action is on tap for later this week with the Finals scheduled for next Saturday.
Visit ButterflyOnline.com for the latest table tennis news and results.
