Japan's women's representative team defeated Croatia in the second round of the final tournament to advance to the top eight at the World Team Table Tennis Championships, with a spot at the Paris Olympics on the line, earning them the right to play in the team and two singles spots at the Paris Olympics. Did.

The World Team Table Tennis Championship is being held in Busan, South Korea, with 40 men's and women's teams participating, divided into 8 groups, followed by a final tournament between the top 3 teams from each group on the 21st. It started from.



If they make it to the top eight, they will earn the right to participate in the team competition at the Paris Olympics, as well as two spots each for men and women in singles.



The Japanese women's national team, ranked 2nd in the world, passed the league on top with all four wins, and faced Croatia, ranked 41st in the world, in the second round of the final tournament.

Japan's first ace, Hina Hayata, showed her strength with a variety of serves and her specialty forehand and won in straight sets.

The second player, 15-year-old Miwa Harimoto, also took control with a strong backhand and won in straight sets.

The third player, Miu Hirano, also scored seven consecutive points from the start of the first game, winning 11 to 1, overwhelming her opponent with her signature fast-tempo attacks and winning in straight sets.



Japan's three players, who have been selected to be part of the Paris Olympic team, showed their strength and defeated Croatia 3-0.



As a result, the Japanese women's team advanced to the top eight, earning them the right to compete in two team and singles spots at the Paris Olympics.

Hina Hayata "This is not what I'm aiming for"

Hina Hayata, who is scheduled to participate in the team competition and singles at the Paris Olympics, said, ``I'm aiming to win the team competition this time, and I'm glad that I was able to get a ticket to Paris as a way point, but I'm not sure what I'm aiming for. This is not the place where I'm working, so I want to keep my head up and do it,'' he said enthusiastically.

Miu Hirano “One Passing Point”

Miu Hirano, who is also scheduled to participate in the team competition and singles, said, ``The Olympics were at stake today, but this was not the final stop, so we felt like it was just a passing point, so we won 3-0. I think it was a good thing," he said.

Miwa Harimoto “I was able to show my usual self”

Miwa Harimoto, a 15-year-old player who has been scheduled to participate in the team competition, said, ``I'm happy that I was able to give my best as usual and win in straight sets.The seniors around me are all older than me and are really strong and I respect them.'' So there is a lot to learn from, and I am following in their footsteps every day."

Men also advance to the top 8 and qualify for the Paris Olympics

On the other hand, the Japan men's national team defeated Austria in the second round of the final tournament, advancing to the final eight and earning the right to compete in the team and two singles spots at the Paris Games.



Japan's men's national team, ranked 3rd in the world, passed the league on top with all four wins and faced Austria, ranked 32nd in the world, in the second round of the final tournament.



Japan's first ace, Tomokazu Harimoto, lost the first game while Shunsuke Togami was absent due to medical treatment from influenza, but after that he took control with his specialty backhand and hit the course. They won three games in a row, including making some great shots, and won the game count 3-1.



The next player, Daito Shinozuka, lost the second game, but he did not let the opponent narrow down his target with a variety of attacks, and won the game count 3-1. He overwhelmed his opponent with a good forehand and strong backhand and won in straight sets.



Japan defeated Austria 3-0, with 16-year-old Matsushima filling in the gap left by Togami, who has been selected to be on the singles team at the Paris Olympics.



As a result, the Japanese men's team advanced to the top eight, earning them the right to compete in the team and two singles spots at the Paris Olympics, following the women's team.

Teru Sora Matsushima “100 points in today’s game”

Tomokazu Harimoto, who is scheduled to participate in the team competition and singles at the Paris Olympics, said, ``We lost the first game, but we quickly corrected ourselves and won, which gave the team a good flow. We proved that we can almost beat our next opponent, China, in the last tournament, so I believe that we can win with this lineup, and I want the whole team to do their best.''



Daito Shinozuka, who is scheduled to participate in the team competition, said, ``I couldn't respond to the reception and was too preoccupied, but in the end I prepared to win the rally, and it worked out well.'' I'm glad. I want to give my all and play my best in the match against China.''



16-year-old Teru Sora Matsushima said, ``I got 100 points for today's match. Gradually, I gained strength and was able to beat my opponent, which led to today's result. China has a lot of really strong players, so I'm looking forward to playing against them," he said.