Bhubaneswar: What on paper looked like an even men’s quarterfinal between India and Hong Kong (China) turned into a surprisingly one-sided contest at the 28th ITTF-ATTU Asian Team Table Tennis Championships at the Kalinga Stadium Indoor Athletics Centre. Despite India’s higher world ranking at No. 4, Hong Kong, ranked No. 6, played with greater purpose and composure to register a dominant 3-0 win and secure a place in the medal rounds.
In today’s women’s quarterfinals, Korea Republic defeated Hong Kong (China) 3-1, while second-seeded Japan survived a thrilling five-set battle against Korea DPR to win 3-2 to secure a place in the medal rounds. Together they played 24 of 25 games.
The much-anticipated men’s encounter, which was expected to test both teams equally, quickly eluded the Indians as Hong Kong displayed superior discipline, tactical acumen and mental stability throughout. India, who had secured bronze medals in the last three editions, failed to mount a real challenge this time as their resistance was both brief and ineffective.
India’s overseas expert Massimo Costantini praised Hong Kong’s performance and appreciated Hong Kong’s ability to maintain composure at crucial stages. “Full credit to Hong Kong, especially the way the three played, keeping cool in tense moments and winning crucial points well, unlike the Indian paddlers who had their moments and failed to take them. As the pressure on each player increased after that, they couldn’t keep up and faded away. Still, I would say it’s a young team and they’re growing from their mistakes learn,” Costantini said.
Hong Kong’s top player Wong Chun Ting, ranked 48th in the world, set the tone by comfortably defeating Indian left-hander Manush Shah in straight games. Wong’s fluid strokeplay and controlled attacking shots left Manush searching for answers. Although the Indian had fleeting chances in the second and third games, including a deuce in the final game, he failed to capitalize on them as Wong easily finished the match 11-5, 11-9, 13-11.
India’s most experienced player Manav Thakkar, ranked 39th in the world, next took on Chan Baldwin. Despite being ranked higher, Manav fell behind early on as Chan effectively exploited angles and mastered the rallies with confidence. Manav managed to recover after losing the first two games and showed touches of his attacking skill to win the next two and level the fight. However, his rhythm faltered in the decisive game after the break and Chan took full advantage to seal the game and give Hong Kong a 2-0 lead.
With India’s hopes hanging by a thread, young Ankur Bhattacharjee started the third round against Lam Siu Hang positively, winning the opening game and fighting hard in the next few. The two games were close, with Ankur winning 14-12 in the third game, but Lam’s experience and composure made the difference in the crucial moments. With patience and precision, Lam tightened his control in the fifth game and completed the victory, giving Hong Kong their third straight victory and securing a clean 3-0 win.
In another men’s quarterfinal, Japan defeated Korea Republic 3-1. World No. 4 Tomokazu Harimoto beat Korea’s An Jaehyun (No. 13) 3-0, while Sora Matsushima survived a tough five-game battle against Cho Daeseong. Although Shunsuke Togami lost to Oh Junsung, Harimoto returned to finish the job, defeating Cho 3-0 and helping Japan advance.
Korea will now play India in the classification round for fifth place.
The results (quarterfinals):
Men: Ki Bina Bnash Shah 11-5, 13-11, 11-11, 11-8, 11-12, 9-11, 9-11, 9-11, 11-11-11-11-11-11-8; 12-14, 11-6, 11-7); Japan 3-1 (Tmokazuto Harimoto Harimoto 11-9, 13-11, 11-7; Sora Matshima 14-12, 10-12, 10-11-11-1 8-11;
Women:
3-1 (Shin Yubin) 3-1 (Shin Yubin) 11-6, 13-11, 14-12, Zengzhu 11-4, 11-8, 11-1 10-12, Shillong 12-10, 11-4, 11-1); Japan B vs Korea DPR 3-2 (Mirito Bha 4-11, 11-6, 11-13, 11-13, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1, 17-15, 17-11, 4-11, 8-11, 8-11, 8-11. 7-11, 11-6, 15-17, 11-3, Mrimoto and Kim Kim Kim Kim 8-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-4, 4-11, Hina Hayat 6-11, 11-4, 11-4, 11-6, 11-8).
