The All-Japan Table Tennis Championship, which decides the best in Japan, began on the 22nd.
It is also the last competition for the representative selection race for the Paris Olympics, and we expect a heated competition for a ticket to Paris.
The All Japan Table Tennis Championships began with a seven-day tournament held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Shibuya, Tokyo.
At the opening ceremony, a moment of silence was held for the victims of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, and Japan Table Tennis Association Chairman Masaya Kawata said, ``This is a great group of people who never give up until the last ball and share their excitement with everyone who watches and supports them.'' I have high hopes for the play to develop."
In the junior women's singles match on the first day, 10-year-old Misora Matsushima, the youngest 4th grader in the tournament, won the match 3-1 with accurate serves and shots against a junior high school student, advancing to the second round. We have expanded.
This competition is the final selection race for this summer's Paris Olympics.
In the women's singles category, where there are two spots for both men's and women's singles, Hina Hayata, who is at the top in selection points, is guaranteed a spot on the national team, but Miu Hirano, who is in second place, and Mima Ito, who is in third place. The point difference is approximately 35 points, and there is a possibility of a reversal, so we expect a fierce battle for a ticket to Paris.
In the men's singles, Tomokazu Harimoto, who ranks first in selection points, will aim for his second championship in six years, while Shunsuke Togami, who ranks second, will aim for his third consecutive championship.
The finals for the main events will be held on January 27th for men's and women's doubles and mixed doubles, and on January 28th, the final day of the tournament, for men's and women's singles.