(by Steve Hopkins)
China swept Korea in their semifinal match early on Wednesday, the dominating result that we have all come to expect from the squad featuring the top three ranked players in the tournament. For its part, Japan defeated India 3-1, in a match that was just a few points away from a 2-2 tie (Miwa Harimoto needed all five games to defeat Ayhika Mukherjee). This set up a Final between the top two teams – a Final that most fans and oddsmakers would have presumed highly favored China.
What happened next was truly stunning. Japan’s Miwa Harimoto (World No. 7) defeated Wang Yidi (World No. 4) 11-9 in the fifth game. Next up was World No. 1 Sun Yingsha who easy evened the match score with a 3-0 win over Mima Ito (World No. 9). Miu Hirano (World No. 12) then upset Chen Xingtong (World No. 6), winning two of three close games and dominating the fourth for the 3-1 win.
With Japan up 2-1, World No. 1 Sun Yingsha opened her match against Miwa Harimoto with two wins (11-9 and 11-6). Miwa fought back with an 11-8 win, and then jumped ahead early and tied the match with an 11-7 victory. And then in the final game, it was all Miwa – pressing for an 11-6 win. Japan upsets China 3-1 and claims the 2024Women’s Team Title.
The Men play again tomorrow, with China taking on Korea in one Semifinal and India facing Taipei in the other.
More action upcoming as Singles events start on Friday.
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