(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT)
The last two matches on Thursday both ended in upsets at the United States Smash, the WTT Smash Series tour event being held at the Ontario Convention Center in Los Angeles.
Thursday’s results include one of the most unexpected results possible, as both Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong lost. With World No. 1 and World No. 5 both out, China has no player remaining in the draw – not a single Chinese team member has reached the Quarterfinals.
Anders Lind is a creative, non-conventional player and he has had good results against top players. In the opening game, a he was able to lob down Chuqin at 9-9 to stay in the game – a game he ultimately won 13-11. The second game was totally dominated by Lind – winning 11-2 with Chuqin just ripping flat balls as if seeking feel and trying to recalibrate. The third game went to Chuqin, but the momentum ended there. Lind gained a lead early and held on for an 11-7 victory to seal the win.
The other match was tight throughout, but Alexis Lebrun was the stronger player. Neither player created much distance in the scores – neither had a large momentum shift. Mental toughness, and big bursts at the right time gave Alexis the advantage and all three games went his way for the 3-0 win.
The Lebrun brothers are now set to face each other in the Quarterfinals. Anders Lind will face Sora Matsushima in the other decided Quarterfinal. And the bottom half of the draw will play its Round of 16 matches on Friday, so we’ll have four more advancing into the Quarters later today.
Lots of quality table tennis on tap all week long – we’ll have more updates soon.
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