The WTT Champions Incheon has moved into the Round of 16, with players battling for a spot in the quarterfinals. The opening matches of this stage delivered strong performances, upsets, and dominant victories.
Tomokazu Harimoto (#3) vs Lin Yun-Ju (#14) - 1:3 (7:11, 7:11, 11:6, 6:11)
Tomokazu Harimoto entered this match as the favorite, leading their head-to-head record 6-2 before today’s encounter. However, Lin Yun-Ju had other plans. The Chinese Taipei star controlled the match and taking the first two games convincingly. Harimoto fought back in the third, but Lin sealed the victory with a composed fourth game, securing his place in the quarterfinals.
Mima Ito (#9) vs Sofia Polcanova (#16) - 3:0 (11:8, 11:7, 11:7)
Their rivalry dates back to 2014, when Sofia Polcanova won their first-ever meeting. Since then, however, Mima Ito has dominated, winning six consecutive matches before today. She extended that streak with another commanding performance, controlling the match from start to finish. With this victory, Ito becomes the first player in the women’s draw to secure a quarterfinal spot.
Jang Woojin (#12) vs Xiang Peng (#23) - 1:3 (8:11, 11:8, 11:13, 9:11)
Jang Woojin and Xiang Peng had only faced each other once before, in 2022, in a thrilling seven-game battle that Jang won. This time, however, the match played out differently. Xiang Peng was sharp from the start, showing great confidence in his counter-attacks. After splitting the first two games, the third set proved crucial, as Xiang edged it in deuce. He carried that momentum into the fourth game to complete the upset, knocking out the Korean and advancing to the quarterfinals.
Bernadette Szocs (#13) vs Satsuki Odo (#8) - 0:3 (6:11, 5:11, 7:11)
Their last encounter at the WTT Finals 2024 in Fukuoka saw Bernadette Szocs win in straight games. However, today, the tables turned completely. Satsuki Odo took full control of the match, neutralizing Szocs' aggressive play and dictating the pace. With a dominant 3-0 victory, Odo moves on to the next round, where she will face either her Japanese teammate Hina Hayata or Zhu Yuling.
Darko Jorgic (#13) vs Sora Matsushima (#33) - 0:3 (8:11, 8:11, 2:11)
Darko Jorgic and Sora Matsushima had previously met once at WTT Champions Frankfurt 2024, where the young Japanese star claimed victory. This time, history repeated itself. Matsushima was unstoppable, showcasing his exceptional speed and touch. Jorgic, coached today by Kanak Jha, called a timeout in the third game to try and shift the momentum, but Matsushima remained in full control, closing out the match with a crushing 11-2 finish.
Match Results – Round of 16 (First Session)
Lin Yun-Ju (#14) def. Tomokazu Harimoto (#3) – 3:1 (11:7, 11:7, 6:11, 11:6)
Mima Ito (#9) def. Sofia Polcanova (#16) – 3:0 (11:8, 11:7, 11:7)
Xiang Peng (#23) def. Jang Woojin (#12) – 3:1 (11:8, 8:11, 13:11, 11:9)
Satsuki Odo (#8) def. Bernadette Szocs (#13) – 3:0 (11:6, 11:5, 11:7)
Sora Matsushima (#33) def. Darko Jorgic (#13) – 3:0 (11:8, 11:8, 11:2)
Photo Source: WTT