(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT)

A week ago, Tomokazu Harimoto raised the trophy in Yokohama – and when he fought from behind to upset Matsushima in the Semifinal on Sunday, it looked like he could be headed for a second title in as many weeks, but the Final this evening in Malmo belonged to Felix Lebrun at the conclusion of the Europe Smash.

For Harimoto, he had a great showing – a solid performance that was nearly flawless and extended two weeks against many of the best players in the world.  Harimoto had already defeated a pair of Japanese teammates (Uda and Togami) before his Semifinal win over Sora Matsushima.

For Felix Lebrun, he never trailed in a single match in this week in Sweden.  In fact, after 0-0, he was never tied in a match.  Felix opened every match with a pair of wins and only dropped 3 games in his 6 wins (3-1, 3-0, 3-0, 4-1, 4-0, 4-1).  Felix was on fire.  And as a footnote, Felix did enter on other event – Men’s Doubles paired with his brother Alexis.  The pair dropped only 1 game in the tournament – winning 3-0, 3-0, 3-1, and 3-0.  What an amazing showing for Felix Lebrun (combined games won 33 to combined games lost at only 4 for the tournament).

Miwa Harmimoto won the women’s event a week ago, and continued her dominant play in the Semifinals today.  However, Wang Yidi ended Harimoto’s streak winning the first two games, and then nursing the lead for a 4-2 win.  In the other half of the draw, top seeded Wang Manyu was dominant with her 4-0 win over Kuai Man.  Manyu also took the Final – a 4-2 win over Yidi.

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