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I guess we will see how it plays out, but Hayata beat Batra the last time they played and I don't think she was in tip top shape then either... I considered that 2022 Asian Cup Hayata to be an injured Hayata in my head, I felt her level was lower even before that event started probably with injuries from Chengdu or something. And with all that, I still feel Hayata knows how to play pips, Ito isn't just pips, Ito is a lot of things. But these debates are part of what makes sports interesting...Hirano, yes. Hayata, no.
Remember Hayata lost to Batra 2-4 in 3rd place match after barely edging out DHK 4-3 in QF (with her golfer's elbow) at Asian Cup 2022 while still/after recovering from her injury from WTTC 2022. Compared to Hirano who took out Batra 3-1 at WTT CT Lima 2023 before withdrawing due to the leg cramp, Hayata has had a hard time beating pips (remember her H2H against Ito) when she is not in tip-top shape, hence my comments (workhorse Hirano and dumb Hayata).
Harimoto is still an unknown given that she mentioned about almost losing to DHK at WTTC 2024, that she didn't have the strength yet to win all her matches before the final but she will work hard to make that happen here.