ITTF WTTTC Finals London 2026, 4/28-5/10

[Takkyu_wa_inochi]

I don't think it is entirely about her forehand, I find that players outside rhe CNT have massive problems returning her serves as well. The CNT teammates seem to know what to do to get into rallies without being on the backfoot.

That’s exactly what Mizutani said on Japanese TV. Hayata must find a solution in receive. But she couldnt

 

[JackJohnson]

Miwa must win against SYS or this match will go to China 3-2.

 

[rpb23]

As NL said, Honoka and Hina have never beaten WMY (or SYS). But KM lost 3-0 to Japanese chopper Hitomi Sato. KM has a 3-1 record vs. Hina. Hina did win their last match, but it was a close 3-2, 13-11. Choosing Honoka for match 3 was the right choice.

The way WMY beating Honoka is not convincing, just grounding out. Unlike SYS, which Honoka is hopeless like against Ito. That's why I say on a good day, Honoka has a chance against WMY.

Did WMY ever lost to Miwa before today? If not, it happened today. It's not all about history, also something to do how the playing style and how the match was won.

On the other hand, SYS did lose to Miwa once before, but I still give higher odds SYS will beat Miwa than WMY continue her winning against Honoka.

 

[pingpongnerd]

That's my reasoning as well.
Honoka has a chance against WMY.
Hayata has a chance against KM
Miwa has a chance winning just one match and less chance winning both.

Current layout,
Honoka has good chance against KM
Hayata has good chance losing both matches
Miwa has less chance winning both.

Spot on. If i were the Japanese coach, I would have picked Satzuki Odo, instead of Hayata. Hayata is 2 free matches for the Chinese

 

[Matteones]

I think this is as good as it gets for Japan. Now they need another incredible performance from Miwa, or a walk on the water miracle from Hina

 

[pingpongnerd]

Miwa must win against SYS or this match will go to China 3-2.

Yes. China should win it 3:2

 

[JackJohnson]

Spot on. If i were the Japanese coach, I would have picked Satzuki Odo, instead of Hayata. Hayata is 2 free matches for the Chinese

Satsuki Odo has won against WMY before so I agree with you on that.

 

[Janard]

WMY: SYS you are making me look like a joke.

 

[rpb23]

SYS used lots of forehand in the first game, the worst sign for her opponents.

 

[rpb23]

Miwa only resisted in the first 6 points in the second game. Then, it's down fall from there.

 

[rpb23]

Best chance for Miwa to get back is the third game. She has to have a good start. Looks like she is.

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

Hello Kitty(tm)

Grace under fire.

 

[Janard]

So... Miwa did worse than Hayata against SYS

 

[JackJohnson]

Game over for Japan.

 

[rpb23]

Dominant performance from the world number 1.

 

[NextLevel]

Spot on. If i were the Japanese coach, I would have picked Satzuki Odo, instead of Hayata. Hayata is 2 free matches for the Chinese

This is how you destroy meritocracies and team morale. These are the kinds of things that fans who don't seriously manage team politics come up with based on their notions of strategic risk taking. If Japan had lost 0-3, no one would lose any sleep. Even 1-3 in my head was based on only Hashimoto winning. They have already overperformed. Anything else is luck.

 

[pingpongnerd]

It would be a miracle for hayata to beat wang

 

[rpb23]

So... Miwa did worse than Hayata against SYS

What about Hayata never beat SYS argument?

It's about special situation. One has to shoulder the burden of defending China's historic position, the other is asked to kill the giant in the biggest stage in her young career.

 

[rpb23]

Well, time for Hayata to justify the reason her coaches put her in the lineup and to be the final straw to knock out China.

Can she do it? We'll see.

 

[rpb23]

Well, not a good start for Hayata.