Europe Smash 2026, Malmö, 8/8-16

[Janard]

In my opinion, Soro is a much more complete player than Tomo.
If he’d given it a bit of thought, there wouldn’t be seven sets to play...

Lol Tomo heard you - who would expect 0-7 down to 11-8

 

[zeio]

MS SF
Harimoto (4) 4-3 Matsushima (2) (6, -7, 4, -6, -9, 8, 6)
G6 07, 37 TO for Matsushima, 67, 68, 118
And Matsushima continues giving up G6 in 2026.
G7 50, 51, 61, 62, 92, 93, 103, 106, 116

 

[NextLevel]

In my opinion, Soro is a much more complete player than Tomo.
If he’d given it a bit of thought, there wouldn’t be seven sets to play...

Completeness as broadly defined is overrated at the top level and your Harimoto forehand thesis continues to become increasingly outdated.

 

[Metaxa]

So many unforced errors!🤷‍♂️

 

[Richie]

In my opinion, Soro is a much more complete player than Tomo.
If he’d given it a bit of thought, there wouldn’t be seven sets to play...

I can imagine you highly value the look of someone's technique and ignoring other more subtle but very important things which is why the result is what it is.

 

[pongfugrasshopper]

Sora at times plays like he's one or two levels above his opponent, and I gotta admit it's fun to watch. But he was not able to sustain it. He ran out of gas in G6 after the offensive outburst to go up 7-0, and Tomo was able to produce his own outburst after taking the blows from Sora.

 

[Metaxa]

Completeness as broadly defined is overrated at the top level and your Harimoto forehand thesis continues to become increasingly outdated.

Tomo’s forehand has indeed improved a lot, but I still notice a slight lack of responsiveness from his backhand to his forehand. As a left-hander in particular, you should be able to exploit this easily when you’re name is Sora. Hit three balls to Tomo’s backhand and then a sharp shot to his forehand. Repeat this if necessary, but this time with two backhands followed by two forehands. Sora clearly messed it up, not because Tomo was that much better.

 

[M51]

Sora is still a child.

His future career depends on whether or not he becomes a man. Some dudes never do.

If he does, he will be unstoppable.

 

[Rao01]

I love the way Sora plays. The speed, the technique, at times like a magician. Having said all this, I guess he has to admit the fact that he has a mental block against Harimoto. You can clearly make out he does not like playing Harimoto. Until he acknowledges that, he cannot win. He also has to read spin better. He is not doing that. I won't be surprised if he has gone back to the hotel room and not smashed something!!

Am just an amateur player. Don't come at me for this statement!

 

[JustANoob]

I dont remember seeing Jorgic this openly frustrated.

 

[kindof99]

I dont remember seeing Jorgic this openly frustrated.

He should have been happy for being the only player from the "last generation" to compete against the new generation in the semi finals.

 

[Metaxa]

He should have been happy for the only player from the "last generation" to compete against the new generation in the semi finals.

Indeed, for someone without a forehand, that’s remarkable!

 

[TTLOVE]

Of the two, I think Sora would stand a better chance against Felix.
Unfortunately, I think the final will be one-sided and Felix will win without too much trouble.

 

[Janard]

Oh wow didn't realise Tomo is so disadvantaged against Felix. His recent losses were all straight game losses...

 

[M51]

I think the final will be one-sided and Felix will win without too much trouble.

I actually slightly favor Harimoto right now.

Sora would have trashed Felix.

 

[ThePongCommenter]

Tomo’s forehand has indeed improved a lot, but I still notice a slight lack of responsiveness from his backhand to his forehand. As a left-hander in particular, you should be able to exploit this easily when you’re name is Sora. Hit three balls to Tomo’s backhand and then a sharp shot to his forehand. Repeat this if necessary, but this time with two backhands followed by two forehands. Sora clearly messed it up, not because Tomo was that much better.

World class players HATE this one simple trick!

 

[ThePongCommenter]

You didn't miss much. Calderano got manhandled much like he did by Coton at WTTC 2026.

This JOOLA partnership appears to be off to a poor start, maybe an Oh Junsung turnaround is coming...

 

[zeio]

Oh wow didn't realise Tomo is so disadvantaged against Felix. His recent losses were all straight game losses...

View attachment 42934

Should've read the Tieba comments...

 

[fore.n.back]

Harimoto might be the most stable player in the modern game when he's on form. His passive blocking is incredibly well on both wing and he stands nearly middle of the table so to break that defense you either has to up your spin/speed quality or go for the wide angle to move him around. Defend - attack transition has also been improved so along his tenacious blocks he can switch to counter attack almost instantly. I think his game isn't as pleasing to the eye as his compatriots aggresive attack style but it's definitely efficient and well thought

 

[kindof99]

Harimoto has never been good against penhold players. And at this point, I think he is both mentally and physically exhausted after the match against Sora. I think he kept his focus very high against Sora as it was not just a match, but something about his and his family's position in JTTA. I felt he was relaxed hugely after the match.

Expect a win from Felix. Would be a great surprise if Harimoto can pull a win. I feel Harimoto grew hugely after Sora's US smash win, so it is still possible.