Shidong strats strong on day of upsets

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May 19, 2025
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19-May-2025

Shidong strats strong on day of upsets

Doha: The second day of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025 produced spectacular action and significant upsets as the tournament continues to highlight table tennis excellence from all corners of the globe.

Midway through the day, upset results sent shockwaves through the Lusail Multipurpose Hall and Qatar University venues.

Among the home paddlers, Teenager Sultan Al-Kuwari battled gamely before falling 1-4 to Belgium’s world No. 82 Martin Allegro (11-9, 6-11, 6-11, 1-11, 4-11) at Qatar University Hall.

Wild-card Ahmed Korani was out-gunned 0-4 by Chinese Taipei attacker Kuo Guan-Hong (7-11, 7-11, 6-11, 4-11).

In the women’s draw, Maryam Ali bowed out 0-4 to Chile’s Zhiying Zeng (2-11, 7-11, 1-11, 1-11), while Aia Mohamed salvaged a single game yet succumbed 1-4 to Cuba’s Rosalba Aguiar (3-11, 7-11, 8-11, 11-7, 8-11).

In mixed doubles, Mohammed Abdulwahhab/Aia Mohamed fell 0-3 to Thailand’s Thitaphat Preechayan/Kulapassr Vijitviriyagul (5-11, 6-11, 6-11), ending Qatar’s interest in the discipline.

Top seed Lin Shidong of China made a powerful start to his Men’s Singles campaign, dispatching England’s Liam Pitchford 4-0 (11-9, 12-10, 11-2, 11-9) in a commanding performance that demonstrated why he’s considered the favourite for the title.

In what must be considered one of the event’s most stunning upsets so far, France’s Charlotte Lutz produced a sensational performance to defeat Korea Republic’s highly-rated Lee Eunhye 4-2 (7-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 12-10, 11-8). After dropping the first two games, Lutz showed remarkable mental fortitude to win four consecutive games.

The Czech Republic’s Hana Matelova delivered a clinical performance to eliminate Egypt’s 27th-seeded Dina Meshref in straight games (11-7, 11-3, 11-3, 11-7), sending a clear message that rankings count for little at this elite level of competition.

The 15th-seeded Australian pair of Bae and Sareen pulled off a remarkable victory against the German combination of Franziska and Ovtcharov. The young Australians, featuring ITTF Hopes Programme alumnus Aditya Sareen, dominated proceedings with a straight games 3-0 win, highlighting the effectiveness of the ITTF development pathway.

Madagascar’s Hanitra Raharimanana produced one of Day 2’s standout performances, defeating Singapore’s Loy Ming Ying in a six-game thriller. Meanwhile, Egypt’s duo of Abdelaziz and Alhodaby decisively handled Australia’s Bae and Psihogios with a commanding 3-0 victory.

Japan’s teenage sensation Miwa Harimoto (5) lived up to expectations in her World Championships Finals debut, defeating Ukraine’s experienced Margaryta Pesotska 4-1. Her brother Tomokazu Harimoto (4) claimed a convincing 4-1 victory over Korea Republic’s Lim Jonghoon in their highly-anticipated clash.

In one of the day’s most gripping contests, Croatia’s Hana Arapovic edged Kazakhstan’s Zauresh Akasheva 4-3 (8-11, 11-7, 11-1, 6-11, 4-11, 11-9, 11-8) in a match that showcased the fighting spirit that defines championship table tennis.

European champions continue to make their mark, with Germany’s Ying Han and Sweden’s Christina Kallberg securing impressive victories. The Lebrun brothers of France survived a scare in their Men’s Doubles opener, coming from 0-2 down to win 3-2 against Spain’s Berzosa and Perez.

Japan’s top-seeded Women’s Doubles pair Odo and Yokoi dominated their Ukrainian opponents, while the Harimoto/Matsushima Men’s Doubles pairing looked equally impressive in their 3-0 victory, while China’s Shi Xunyao delivered a flawless 4-0 performance against Hong Kong, China’s Lam Yee Lok.