Mixed Doubles
World No. 1 Pair Upset
Day 5 began with a major upset as the No. 1 seeded mixed doubles pair, Lin Shidong and Kuai Man, were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Japan’s Maharu Yoshimura and Satsuki Odo. The Chinese duo won the first game 11-8 but lost the next three 5-11, 11-13, 10-12. Yoshimura, a former mixed doubles silver medallist at the World Championships, played exceptionally well, securing crucial rallies to clinch the match. Odo, partnering Yoshimura for the first time, contributed key service points and displayed remarkable composure, propelling the pair into the semi-finals and securing a medal for Japan.
A visibly emotional Yoshimura said in his post-match interview, “It’s been a long time since I won a medal at the WTTC – the last time was in 2019. There are so many excellent players in Japan, so it’s never easy for me to get a chance. I’ve already turned 30 – I’m, 31 this…
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