by Wade Townsend
Jun Mizutani has claimed his fourth consecutive and ninth overall All Japan Championships title at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Sendagaya.
Mizutani defeated surprise finalist Kazuhiro Yoshimura 4-1 in the final.
Yoshimura made a flying start, taking the first game 11-9.
The defending champion soon started to dominate proceedings, comfortable taking the next two games 11-7, 11-8.
There was a moment of hope for the young challenger but it went by the wayside. An opportunity to level matters in the fourth slipped through Yoshimura’s fingers, losing that game 13-11.
Mizutani didn’t think twice and raced to take the fifth and final game 11-5 to claim the title.
“After winning the medal in Rio, I am really under great pressure but I am very happy now.” Jun Mizutani.
The Japanese number one has been able to dominate the tournament for over a decade and doesn’t look like going anywhere anytime soon.
“It has been 11 years since I first won the All Japan title. I hope Japanese younger players can grow better and faster.” Jun Mizutani
Mizutani now turns his attention to hunting the medal that has so far eluded him.
“I have not won any medals in the World Table Tennis Championships, so my goal will be to win one in the Germany.” Jun Mizutani
