(by Steve Hopkins)
The biggest story of the team event at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China was Iran’s upset win over Japan in the Quarterfinals. The underdog Iranian’s run, however, was short lived as they fell 0-3 to Korea today. China also took care of business with a 3-0 win (3-0, 3-0, 3-0) over Taipei. China will now face Korea in the Final (and Iran and Taipei will have to settle for Bronze medals).
The Team Events have progressed to the Final Four with China set to face Taipei on Monday, and Korea set to face…. Iran. That’s not a typo, Iran topped Vietnam in the first knock out round and then topped Japan 3-0 in the Quarterfinals to advance to the Semis.
In the Women’s Team Event, China topped Thailand 3-0 in one Semifinal, and Japan defeated Korea 3-1 in the other Semifinal. China will face Japan in the Final tomorrow.
After the Finals are played on Tuesday, singles will begin. Lots of action planned throughout the week.
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