TOKYO, Jan 29 (News On Japan) –
On the ultimate day of the All Japan Table Tennis Championships held on the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Shibuya, Tokyo, the boys’s and ladies’s singles finals passed off on Sunday, January 28.
In the boys’s last, Tomokazu Harimoto, who has already secured his spot as a consultant for the boys’s singles on the Paris Olympics, confronted the identical opponent as final yr, Jun Togami. Harimoto struggled in opposition to Togami’s different serves and highly effective photographs, falling behind with a sport depend of 1-3. However, Harimoto made a comeback, successful the fifth sport together with his signature highly effective backhand 11-9, and regardless of dealing with a number of match factors in opposition to him within the sixth sport, he prevailed in essential rallies to win 14-12, tying the sport depend at 3-3. The decisive seventh sport was a fierce battle with neither participant yielding, resulting in a collection of deuces, however Harimoto clinched the sport 16-14, securing his second championship win six years after his historic victory on the age of 14 in 2018.
Overcome with emotion, Harimoto slowly crouched down after his win earlier than embracing Togami, with each gamers acknowledging one another’s valiant efforts. Harimoto expressed his disbelief, “I’m at a loss for words. It’s as if I’ve won my first championship all over again, having forgotten how to win the All Japan. The sense of victory I feel now is a hundred times greater than back then. My legs were cramping, but in the last two points, it stopped suddenly, and I felt as if the gods were telling me to win.”
Reflecting on his opponent, Harimoto mentioned, “Togami played perfectly; no matter what I did, it was tough. He and I are truly equals and rivals. For the remaining six months, I want to push forward to the Olympics as teammates.”
Jun Togami, who missed out on a 3rd consecutive championship and completed as runner-up, shared, “The All Japan is a special tournament that everyone aims for, and I’ve realized that once again. There were moments when I felt pressured by my opponent, but I managed to play with a spirit of resilience. Despite the anxiety and tension, I was able to stick to my style until the end.” Regarding the ultimate in opposition to Harimoto, Togami remarked, “Harimoto used to be an untouchable presence, but now he is a comrade and rival on the Japanese national team. I will never forget being able to compete in the Olympic year final like this, and I want to win next time.” Speaking in regards to the Paris Olympics, the place he has secured his spot as a consultant, he mentioned, “The difference in the strength of my table tennis from when I first won this tournament two years ago to now is clear, and I feel I have grown. I aim to win gold medals in both singles and team events.”
Hina Hayata Wins Women’s Singles for the Third Time in Two Consecutive Tournaments
In the ladies’s last, Hina Hayata, who has additionally secured her spot as a consultant for the ladies’s singles on the Paris Olympics, confronted 15-year-old Miwa Harimoto, aiming to develop into the youngest champion in historical past. Hayata trailed 5-9 within the first sport however managed to reverse the state of affairs with six consecutive factors utilizing her different photographs and robust forehand, successful the sport 11-9. Dominating the match, Hayata showcased her various strategies, together with her distinctive “Chiquita” spin return, and received with a sport depend of 4-0, reaching her third championship win in two consecutive tournaments. Hayata displayed overwhelming energy as Japan’s ace, dropping just one sport in six matches all through the event.
“I’m really relieved now,” Hayata mentioned after defending her title. “I had lost to Harimoto last November, and I thought I might lose the first game today as well. It came down to each and every shot, so I could only focus on what was in front of me. Various players have been strategizing to beat me, but I think my ability to respond was high in this tournament.” She added, “It’s cold outside in Tokyo, but I’m glad we could provide a heated match. My goal is to win the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, and the next six months will be crucial, so I ask for even more support and encouragement.”
Source: NHK