The All Japan Table Tennis Championships featured the finals of each doubles event, and the women's doubles pair of Miyu Kihara and Miyu Nagasaki, nicknamed "W Miyu," won for the first time.
In the women's doubles, the pair of Mima Ito and Hina Hayata, who had won the tournament for five consecutive years, did not participate, and it looked as if it would be a crowded match, but in the final, the pair of "W Miyu" of Kihara and Nagasaki both won the cutman. I played against the pair of Hitomi Sato and Honoka Hashimoto.
The match was a competitive affair that dragged on until the fifth and final game, and the pair of "W Miyuu" were in a decisive position in the final stages with the score at 8-8, when Nagasaki took the lead with a strong forehand, and it remained at 11. We won our first championship by winning a close game against 8.
Meanwhile, in men's doubles, Nihon University's senior and junior pair of Hiromu Kobayashi and Norihiro Ito won their first championship, defeating the pair of Tomokazu Harimoto and Masataka Morizono, who were aiming for a consecutive title. did.
The pair of Kobayashi and Ito showed aggressive attacks from the beginning, and in the third game, Kobayashi made a powerful forehand to win the close battle and took the lead in the third game. They won the fourth game 11-7, winning the game count 3-1 and winning their first championship.
In addition, Daito Shinozuka and Miyu Kihara won the mixed doubles title, with Kihara taking the women's doubles title twice.
The final day of the tournament will be held tomorrow, when the singles semi-finals and finals will be held for both men and women.
Miyu Kihara “I was able to persevere until the end”
19-year-old Kihara said, ``We've been paired together since elementary school and we understand each other, so in the All Japan doubles tournaments we've lost early and it's been tough.This time, we were able to hold on until the end. "I think I've grown a lot. I went into the match with the mindset of aggressively attacking."
Miyu Nagasaki “The reason for our victory was that we were able to change our tactics and mindset”
21-year-old Nagasaki said, ``There were some difficult moments in the match after both of us lost in the singles in the morning, but we focused on what we had and aimed to win.It was a close match from the beginning. I was prepared for it, but it was more painful than I expected. In the fifth and final game, I had only had short serves up until then, so I mixed in some long serves. I think the reason for my victory was that I was able to change my tactics and mindset." I looked back on the match.
After that, he said, ``I want to go to the World Championships and the Olympics with Kihara and do my best to win the gold medal.''
Hiromu Kobayashi: “I never thought I could win.”
In men's doubles, Nihon University's senior and junior team of Hiromu Kobayashi and Norihiro Ito won for the first time.
Kobayashi, a senior and a third-year player, said, ``I never expected to win.It's my first national title, so I'm really happy.We thought the opponent would play solidly and not take any risks, so let's attack from the beginning.'' That's what I thought. It's all thanks to my partner who showed more than his ability."
Norihiro Ito “Win all the tournaments”
Ito, a junior and second-year student, said, ``Kobayashi told me some tough things even before the tournament.I think the fact that I came in with the mindset of definitely winning the championship led to the result.Especially in the third game, Kobayashi made all the decisions. I was able to show everyone the strength of my seniors."
Regarding his future goals, he enthusiastically said, ``There are some competitions, such as student competitions, that I haven't won.I want to do my best with the mindset of winning in all the competitions.''
Daito Shinozuka: “It was reassuring to be able to team up with Kihara.”
In mixed doubles, the pair of Daito Shinozuka and Miyu Kihara won for the first time.
Shinozuka said, ``It was reassuring to be partnered with Kihara. Winning the championship gave me a lot of confidence.'' He also looked ahead to the singles match, where the semifinals and finals will be held on the 28th. ``I will aim for the championship until the very end.'' I want to push forward," he said with enthusiasm.
Miyu Kihara “I’m really moved right now”
After winning the championship, Kihara expressed his honest joy, saying, ``I'm really emotional right now.''
He then talked about the scene in the fourth game when he lost five points in a row even though he had a match point and was caught up, saying, ``My heart was racing and I started making simple mistakes, so I thought it was dangerous, but Shinozuka was the best.'' By the way, he made the decision. If I were to pair him up with him, it would definitely be Shinozuka. I hope you look forward to next year as well," he said, showing his desire to win a consecutive championship.