Japan Secures First Men’s Team Semifinal Spot
Japan has advanced to the men’s team semi-finals after an entertaining 3-0 victory over Chinese Taipei. Shunsuke Togami and Hiroto Shinozuka secured the opening point with a 3-0 win over Chuang Chih-Yuan and Kao Cheng-Jui. Tomokazu Harimoto extended Japan’s lead with a 3-0 victory over Lin Yun-Ju. Hiroto Shinozuka completed the sweep with a 3-0 win over Kao Cheng-Jui. The Tokyo 2020 bronze medalists, Japan, will now look to secure a place in the gold medal match.
Korea Republic Women’s Team First to Reach Semifinals
Third seed, Korea Republic have become the first team to secure a place in the women’s team event semi-finals, defeating Sweden in a decisive match. The duo of Shin Yubin and Jeon Jihee got Korea off to a strong start, defeating Filippa Bergand and Christina Kallberg 3-0. Lee Eunhye extended the lead with a 3-1 victory over Linda Bergström, before Jeon Jihee sealed the deal with a 3-1 win over Christina Kallberg.
Quarterfinals Underway
The quarterfinal stage is now underway, with two high-profile matches taking place simultaneously. On table one, the Men’s event is taking place with Chinese Taipei facing a stern test against Japan. Meanwhile, on table two, Korea Republic’s Women’s team will look to build on their good start as they take on Sweden, who caused a major upset in the previous round by defeating Tokyo 2020 Bronze medal winners, Hong Kong, China.
Kaufmann Saves The Day as Germany Defeats USA
The women’s team event delivered a thrilling encounter as Germany defeated the United States to secure a place in the quarterfinals. Yuan Wan and Xiaona Shan gave Germany a strong start, defeating Rachel Sung and Amy Wang 3-0 in the doubles match. The momentum shifted when 18-year-old Annett Kaufmann produced a stunning 3-0 victory over Lily Zhang, giving Germany a 2-0 lead. The USA fought back with victories for Amy Wang over Xiaona Shan (3-1) and Lily Zhang over Yuan Wan (3-1), leveling the match. However, Annett Kaufmann proved to be the difference-maker, securing a 3-1 win over Rachel Sung to send Germany through to the next round. This result sets the stage for an intriguing quarterfinal clash with India
“It’s unbelievable. I can’t really describe it. I never expected my first Olympics to be this spectacular. At first, I was just a reserve player and to be now the No.1, or like to play as No.1 and win two matches and especially the deciding one … it’s unbelievable. I think it’s the feeling everyone who wants to play Olympics dreams of.” – Annett Kaufmann
Chinese Taipei Women Advance, China’s Men Dominate India
Chinese Taipei has secured their place in the women’s team quarterfinals following a 3-0 victory over Australia. Despite a valiant effort from the Australian team, Chinese Taipei proved too strong. In the men’s event featuring Ma Long, China continued their dominant form in Olympics history, defeating India 3-0 to advance to the quarterfinals. The Indian team, who had made history by qualifying for the Team event for the first time, were unable to overcome the might of the Chinese despite a strong showing.
Korea Republic Dominates Croatia, Advances to Quarterfinals
Korea Republic has secured their spot in the quarterfinals after a commanding 3-0 victory over Croatia. Cho Daeseong and Jang Woojin kicked off the match with a dominant 3-0 win over Filip Zeljko and Andrej Cagina. Lim Jonghoon extended the lead with a 3-0 victory over Tomislav Pucar, before Jang Woojin sealed the deal with a 3-1 win over Andrej Gacina. The Koreans will now face China.
“I think China is truly one of the strongest teams in the world. However, this is the Olympics, and the Chinese players will be feeling the pressure. If we can bring that kind of atmosphere first, I think it will be a good game – and we can win.” – Jang Woojin
Day 11: Teams Events Continues
More round of 16 matches of the team events get underway today with four highly anticipated matches in session 1. In the men’s event, Korea Republic will face Croatia, while China takes on India. The women’s event will see Germany battle it out against the USA, and Australia facing off against Chinese Taipei. These matches promise to be thrilling encounters as teams fight for a place in the semi-finals.
