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Harimoto: "It's presumptuous to call it a rivalry." (#1135)
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https://www.tabletennisdaily.com/fo...-dos-campos-2026-july-21-26.39640/post-583190
宇田幸矢 熾烈な代表争いの現在地「苦しい。でも、今しかできない」
https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/tabletennis/news/2026/08/042278.html
On July 26, 2026, in the WTT Star Contender San José dos Campos men's singles semi-final held in Brazil,
Uda Yukiya (Kyowa Kirin/World Rank 23) pushed Brazil's ace, Calderano (World Rank 8), silver medalist at the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships in Doha, to the brink of defeat.
Uda had faced Calderano four times before, but had yet to secure a victory.
In the fourth game, with Uda leading 2-1, he had the first match point. However, he couldn't capitalize on the opportunity, ultimately missing five match points and losing the game 19-21.
Meanwhile, Calderano seized the momentum and won the final game to secure a come-from-behind victory. Uda's impressive run ended in the semi-finals.
"From the fourth game to the end, the match unfolded in a similar way, so I wanted to add another twist. I especially should have changed my approach starting with my serve."
Uda reflected on the turning point of the match.
Changing tactics during a back-and-forth battle requires courage. Even a slight misjudgment can instantly shatter the balance that had been maintained until then.
On this day, short serves to Calderano's forehand were effective. Uda hesitated to change his serve.
"I had a feeling that I was gradually losing points. Knowing when to change tactics in such situations is my challenge."
Moreover, all five match points came on returns. The lack of opportunities to change the situation from his own serve made the decision difficult. Nevertheless, this defeat showed Uda's undeniable growth.
Giving the powerful Calderano even a little leeway would result in a devastating blow. Therefore, Uda focused on pushing Calderano back from the table and drawing him into rallies, his specialty.
The increased variety in his short serves has made his long serves more effective at crucial moments. There were even instances where he scored service aces with a single straight serve.
Previously, Uda tended to focus on his own preferred style of play, but now he can play in a way that throws his opponent off guard, and even intentionally let his opponent hit the ball to set up a counter-attack.
"Recently, I've become able to play more calmly, and I feel like I can change my playing style depending on the opponent. My tactical range and technical skills have improved, so I can attack with more confidence."
The person who brought about this change is Coach Qiu Jianxin, whom he began to study under seriously around the spring of 2025.
He is a renowned coach who has guided top players such as Mizutani Jun (Kinoshita Group) and Ishikawa Kasumi (Zennoh) to Olympic and World Championship medals.
Although Uda's time in Japan is limited due to his international tournament travels, he makes every effort to travel from Tokyo to Osaka to train at Coach Qiu's practice facility.
Coach Qiu's training regimen is relentless. The intervals between drills are short, only a few seconds, "just enough time to drink water," says Uda.
Even the balls hit during footwork drills are counter-attacks. Blocking is not an option.
"I wonder how many balls I'll hit. It's really tough," Uda says with a wry smile, but his eyes light up as he adds, "When I'm really into training, I remember the hunger I had as a junior player, when I was completely absorbed in the game. It makes me feel young again."
Coach Qiu repeatedly says one thing:
"It's about whether you can think, even for a moment during a match, 'I've done such tough training,'"
Technical skills don't suddenly improve on match day. But the confidence that comes from having trained hard supports the player in difficult situations.
The power you can unleash depends on your mindset—Uda is realizing this.
Coach Qiu's true value also lies in his analytical skills.
Even when he doesn't accompany Uda to tournaments, he watches videos of Uda and his opponents, and sends advice via phone or voice message. Uda listens to it repeatedly, internalizing it.
"The advice is clear and easy to understand and implement. Especially when he's on the bench, I can play without hesitation."
In Brazil, there was another crucial match he couldn't afford to lose: against Shinozuka in the third round. The two are neck and neck in the world rankings for Japanese players.
"Honestly, I didn't like going all the way to Brazil to face a Japanese player. But the ranking competition with Shinozuka is fierce, so I went into the match determined to win no matter what and reach the semi-finals."
Dealing with left-handed opponents was something Uda had long been aware of as a challenge.
On this day, against the left-handed Shinozuka, whom he had lost to at the All-Japan Championships in January, he executed his prepared tactics and won in straight sets.
As a result of advancing to the semi-finals, Uda's world ranking rose from 26th to 23rd, while Shinozuka's dropped from 23rd to 24th. In the WTT US Smash tournament held in June-July, Shinozuka overtook Uda, but Uda regained the lead.
However, the difference is only 15 points.
Uda's motivation stems from his goal of competing in the Asian Championships in Tashkent in October.
The maximum number of spots for the Japanese men's national team is five.
Matsushima Sora (Individual/world rank 3), winner of the All-Japan Championships, and Tanaka Yuta (First/world rank 99), winner of the domestic selection tournament in May, have already secured their places on the team. Uda and Shinozuka are now competing for the remaining spots based on world rankings.
Other strong contenders include world rank 5 Harimoto Tomokazu (Toyota Motor Corporation) and world rank 14 Togami Shunsuke (Imuraya Group).
The WTT Champions Yokohama tournament, starting on August 4th, is likely to be a crucial match that will determine the outcome of the national team selection. Moreover, Uda's first-round opponent is, coincidentally, Shinozuka.
"The pressure is immense. But I'm the type of person who performs better under pressure. I believe that hunger gives me explosive power."
While he says this with conviction, conflicting emotions swirl within him.
"No matter how many times I experience it, the competition for a spot on the national team is tough. The feeling of 'I'm going to do it!' and the feeling of 'This is really tough. How long will this last?' swirl around in my head. But every playing career has to end, and the competition for a spot on the national team is something I can only do now. I try to view being in this position positively, and when things get tough, I motivate myself."
He once suffered through difficult times due to repeated back and shoulder injuries, but now, after reviewing his physical training and taking meticulous care, his condition is perfect.
However, before matches, there are nights when the pressure keeps him awake.
On August 6th, Uda will turn 25.
Currently, his biggest goal is to secure a spot on the national team for the Asian Championships in Tashkent. This tournament also serves as the Asian continental qualifying round for the 2027 World Table Tennis Championships in Astana (individual events), thus leading to the World Championships.
"I want to compete in the World Table Tennis Championships. I also want to continue participating in the WTT Champions. People often ask me about the Los Angeles Olympics, but the Olympics are just the culmination of all the hard work and preparation leading up to them. Right now, I'm focused on constantly striving to reach my personal best.")
TAKAGI Mina's write-up on Uda's match with Calderano at WTT SCT São José dos Campos 2026 and his recent progress.
宇田幸矢 熾烈な代表争いの現在地「苦しい。でも、今しかできない」
https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/tabletennis/news/2026/08/042278.html
(That last point just wouldn't go away.
On July 26, 2026, in the WTT Star Contender San José dos Campos men's singles semi-final held in Brazil,
Uda Yukiya (Kyowa Kirin/World Rank 23) pushed Brazil's ace, Calderano (World Rank 8), silver medalist at the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships in Doha, to the brink of defeat.
Uda had faced Calderano four times before, but had yet to secure a victory.
In the fourth game, with Uda leading 2-1, he had the first match point. However, he couldn't capitalize on the opportunity, ultimately missing five match points and losing the game 19-21.
Meanwhile, Calderano seized the momentum and won the final game to secure a come-from-behind victory. Uda's impressive run ended in the semi-finals.
"From the fourth game to the end, the match unfolded in a similar way, so I wanted to add another twist. I especially should have changed my approach starting with my serve."
Uda reflected on the turning point of the match.
Changing tactics during a back-and-forth battle requires courage. Even a slight misjudgment can instantly shatter the balance that had been maintained until then.
On this day, short serves to Calderano's forehand were effective. Uda hesitated to change his serve.
"I had a feeling that I was gradually losing points. Knowing when to change tactics in such situations is my challenge."
Moreover, all five match points came on returns. The lack of opportunities to change the situation from his own serve made the decision difficult. Nevertheless, this defeat showed Uda's undeniable growth.
Giving the powerful Calderano even a little leeway would result in a devastating blow. Therefore, Uda focused on pushing Calderano back from the table and drawing him into rallies, his specialty.
The increased variety in his short serves has made his long serves more effective at crucial moments. There were even instances where he scored service aces with a single straight serve.
Previously, Uda tended to focus on his own preferred style of play, but now he can play in a way that throws his opponent off guard, and even intentionally let his opponent hit the ball to set up a counter-attack.
"Recently, I've become able to play more calmly, and I feel like I can change my playing style depending on the opponent. My tactical range and technical skills have improved, so I can attack with more confidence."
The person who brought about this change is Coach Qiu Jianxin, whom he began to study under seriously around the spring of 2025.
He is a renowned coach who has guided top players such as Mizutani Jun (Kinoshita Group) and Ishikawa Kasumi (Zennoh) to Olympic and World Championship medals.
Although Uda's time in Japan is limited due to his international tournament travels, he makes every effort to travel from Tokyo to Osaka to train at Coach Qiu's practice facility.
Coach Qiu's training regimen is relentless. The intervals between drills are short, only a few seconds, "just enough time to drink water," says Uda.
Even the balls hit during footwork drills are counter-attacks. Blocking is not an option.
"I wonder how many balls I'll hit. It's really tough," Uda says with a wry smile, but his eyes light up as he adds, "When I'm really into training, I remember the hunger I had as a junior player, when I was completely absorbed in the game. It makes me feel young again."
Coach Qiu repeatedly says one thing:
"It's about whether you can think, even for a moment during a match, 'I've done such tough training,'"
Technical skills don't suddenly improve on match day. But the confidence that comes from having trained hard supports the player in difficult situations.
The power you can unleash depends on your mindset—Uda is realizing this.
Coach Qiu's true value also lies in his analytical skills.
Even when he doesn't accompany Uda to tournaments, he watches videos of Uda and his opponents, and sends advice via phone or voice message. Uda listens to it repeatedly, internalizing it.
"The advice is clear and easy to understand and implement. Especially when he's on the bench, I can play without hesitation."
In Brazil, there was another crucial match he couldn't afford to lose: against Shinozuka in the third round. The two are neck and neck in the world rankings for Japanese players.
"Honestly, I didn't like going all the way to Brazil to face a Japanese player. But the ranking competition with Shinozuka is fierce, so I went into the match determined to win no matter what and reach the semi-finals."
Dealing with left-handed opponents was something Uda had long been aware of as a challenge.
On this day, against the left-handed Shinozuka, whom he had lost to at the All-Japan Championships in January, he executed his prepared tactics and won in straight sets.
As a result of advancing to the semi-finals, Uda's world ranking rose from 26th to 23rd, while Shinozuka's dropped from 23rd to 24th. In the WTT US Smash tournament held in June-July, Shinozuka overtook Uda, but Uda regained the lead.
However, the difference is only 15 points.
Uda's motivation stems from his goal of competing in the Asian Championships in Tashkent in October.
The maximum number of spots for the Japanese men's national team is five.
Matsushima Sora (Individual/world rank 3), winner of the All-Japan Championships, and Tanaka Yuta (First/world rank 99), winner of the domestic selection tournament in May, have already secured their places on the team. Uda and Shinozuka are now competing for the remaining spots based on world rankings.
Other strong contenders include world rank 5 Harimoto Tomokazu (Toyota Motor Corporation) and world rank 14 Togami Shunsuke (Imuraya Group).
The WTT Champions Yokohama tournament, starting on August 4th, is likely to be a crucial match that will determine the outcome of the national team selection. Moreover, Uda's first-round opponent is, coincidentally, Shinozuka.
"The pressure is immense. But I'm the type of person who performs better under pressure. I believe that hunger gives me explosive power."
While he says this with conviction, conflicting emotions swirl within him.
"No matter how many times I experience it, the competition for a spot on the national team is tough. The feeling of 'I'm going to do it!' and the feeling of 'This is really tough. How long will this last?' swirl around in my head. But every playing career has to end, and the competition for a spot on the national team is something I can only do now. I try to view being in this position positively, and when things get tough, I motivate myself."
He once suffered through difficult times due to repeated back and shoulder injuries, but now, after reviewing his physical training and taking meticulous care, his condition is perfect.
However, before matches, there are nights when the pressure keeps him awake.
On August 6th, Uda will turn 25.
Currently, his biggest goal is to secure a spot on the national team for the Asian Championships in Tashkent. This tournament also serves as the Asian continental qualifying round for the 2027 World Table Tennis Championships in Astana (individual events), thus leading to the World Championships.
"I want to compete in the World Table Tennis Championships. I also want to continue participating in the WTT Champions. People often ask me about the Los Angeles Olympics, but the Olympics are just the culmination of all the hard work and preparation leading up to them. Right now, I'm focused on constantly striving to reach my personal best.")
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