Ito: I'm not sure I will play for another 4 years

[pongfugrasshopper]

Miwa's reflection on 2024 posted on X :

This year was full of firsts for me, but I was able to gain a lot of experience and put it to good use. Looking back, I think I was often one step lower on the podium than the highest spot. I will do my best in 2025 with the goal of standing at the highest point and seeing the view. The road to the dream stage was not easy. At first, I was ranked 10th in the selection rankings, a position that made it difficult to move up. Even when I couldn't see any opportunities, I wanted to give back to my family and everyone who supported me. I want to improve myself more and more. With this in mind, I was able to persevere until the very end. I am truly grateful. The actual Olympics. It was the most unforgettable time. It was the most painful experience I've ever had, and the first time I've cried so much after winning. Competing against my seniors was a very valuable experience and it was the most memorable and dreamlike stage of my life. I will definitely return to that stage again, and next time I will do my best to compete not only in the team competition but also in the singles competition, and reach the highest level! Although not everything turned out well, there was a lot of fun and laughter so I'm satisfied! Thank you so much for all your support this year!!! Next year, I'll win many tournaments together with my big brother!!! Please warm your body and have a happy new year

 

[pongfugrasshopper]

Tomokazu's reflection on 2024 posted on X :

The Paris Olympics, my rock bottom, the first gold medal in 50 years at the Asian Championships, and third place in the world rankings.

There were many competitions, but I think these two are enough to represent this year!

All Japan → Grand Final → Asian Cup → Asian Championships.

I think I'm stepping up little by little.

I'll do my best in 2025, aiming for the title I haven't won yet!

And this year was also the year I was saved the most by my fans, the people around me, and my family.

I went from having an innocent, fearless, and sturdy heart like when I was in middle school and high school to knowing various things and thinking about things I didn't need to think about, and before I knew it, I felt that my heart, which was so strong, had become very fragile.

It may sound good to say that I have high crisis management skills, but I feel like I often just thought in a way that fueled my own anxiety.

I feel pressure and responsibility whether I like it or not, so I think I need to think a little more optimistically and relaxedly.

In the midst of all this, especially during the terrible times after the Paris Olympics, everyone was always there for me and supported me at all times.
As in the past, I was encouraged by words of "Do your best" and "We're rooting for you," but I also realized how grateful I was to be told, "It's okay to take a break" and "It's okay to just stand on the court."
Without your support, it wouldn't have been surprising if I wouldn't be playing table tennis now.
I truly believe that rather than me giving you strength, you all give me strength.
I am so grateful that words alone cannot express my gratitude.
Thank you so much.

I have no idea what will happen next year, but that's what makes me so excited.
I will do my best to share as many good moments as possible with you all, so I hope you will enjoy this year!

 

[Takkyu_wa_inochi]

No little achievement ! Tomokazu delivered in 2024 and I hope he’ll do even better in 2025

 

[5545]

Even with CM dropping out of the rankings, CIC will drop out of the top 10 when her SC Goa points expire on 1/28 as she will be below SYB, QTY, Mima, and probably even Hirano who is playing both SC Doha and Contender Muscat. Top 10 is extremely competitive, but CIC is highly skilled. She's the only one to take Satsuki Odo to a deciding game at WTT Champions Montpelier. Still, it will be very tough at age 32 and a double wing attacking style.

Please, how can the SYB be allowed in top 10 even without CM....
She has to be the most overrated player ever...been playing like trash for most of the Paris cycle. She does decent at OG games but it's really nothing having simply met her seeding. On top of that she has never beaten a core CNT player unlike Hirano so she can't be excused with having a lower low limit and a really high high limit.

Tbh, Hirano, Ito, QTY, and CIC all deserve to be ranked higher than her. Hopefully, JNT doesn't rely on this kind of ranking system for LA 2028 selection.

 

[zeio]

Miyazaki advocated the BH style but was surprised at the footwork training of South Korean players. I've written for years that South Korean players being among the streakiest and hence inconsistent have produced some of the most powerful upsets and Uda playing like a South Korean player could be a great asset under the right circumstances but Miyazaki and Baba decided fairness of the selection system was more important. What can you do?
https://www.tabletennisdaily.com/forum/topics/whats-wrong-with-harimotos-fh.21649/post-285606
https://www.tabletennisdaily.com/forum/topics/oshima-vs-harimoto-4-3.20062/post-257563
https://www.tabletennisdaily.com/forum/topics/26th-asian-table-tennis-championship.31859/post-422750

【卓球】水谷隼＆吉村真晴が語る「日本の卓球の課題と未来への危機感」
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/322fe284966cd563572753fafd4dd5f68fad0892

2024/12/27(金) 6:00配信
卓球王国

日本選手全体の「同質化」と「対応力不足」を水谷さんが指摘

　東京五輪金メダリストの水谷隼さんとリオ五輪銀メダリストの吉村真晴が卓球の「深い話」を初めて交わした卓球王国の対談。テーマは「レシーブ」。水谷さんは日本選手全体の「同質化」と「対応力不足」を指摘。
　特に「張本智和がやりだすとみんな一斉に真似る」スタイルの画一化に危機感を覚えるという。
　吉村選手も「水谷さんの話を聞いて、ぼくは日本代表全体に危機感を感じた」と同調。日本選手が相手主体の対応力を磨くことが重要だと訴えた。さらに、水谷さんは「日本卓球には韓国のような爆発力が必要」と、世界の頂点を目指すための改善点を提案した。


＜卓球王国2025年2月号・卓球王国PLUSより抜粋＞

Mizutani-san points out the "homogenization" and "lack of adaptability" of all Japanese players

In this Table Tennis Kingdom interview, Mizutani Jun, gold medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, and Yoshimura Maharu, silver medalist at the Rio Olympics, had their first "deep conversation" about table tennis. The theme was "receiving." Mizutani-san points out the "homogenization" and "lack of adaptability" of all Japanese players.

He said he especially feels a sense of crisis about the standardization of style, where "when Harimoto Tomokazu starts doing something, everyone starts imitating it at once."

Yoshimura agreed, saying, "After listening to Mizutani-san's talk, I felt a sense of crisis about the entire Japanese team." He stressed the importance of Japanese players improving their ability to adapt to opponents. Furthermore, Mizutani-san suggested improvements to aim for the top of the world, saying, "Japanese table tennis needs explosive power like Korea."

 

[Janard]

Hayata looks like she's recovered relatively well, but can only maintain her explosiveness for one/two games?

 

[zeio]

New head coaches to be announced on 1/19, two weeks from now. It's said Tasei is expected to be replaced for MT. Coach Ito for WT?

【卓球】日本卓球協会強化本部、日本代表新監督を1月19日に発表。男女とも新体制か?
https://world-tt.com/blog/news/archives/237710

 

[pongfugrasshopper]

Hayata looks like she's recovered relatively well, but can only maintain her explosiveness for one/two games?

Yeah, she's not in tournament shape. But the good news is she's not heavily bandaged and only has a wrist wrap for support. She doesn't appear to have any pain on BH loops and is executing them well. I don't expect much from her from SC Doha tbh. Perhaps she is just using the tournament to get back into playing shape. More important for her is the Empress Cup and Singapore Smash.

 

[zeio]

This point reminds me how much "impact" I miss with the side angle. Like Akae, I thought it was a diagonal shot.

日本生命レッドエルフ vs 木下アビエル神奈川 ノジマTリーグ2024-2025 2025年01月04日(土)　北ガスアリーナ札幌46【卓球 Tリーグ公式】
https://youtu.be/cF3c5Sh_xFk?t=120

Kihara has been playing so bad that even Nagasaki can't save her.

From the limited footage, Hayata decided to see how far she could push it, which is not ideal but understandable given the time constraint. She has adjusted her game to cover her BH but her FH suffered as a result, especially when transitioning from BH to FH and in the medium range. 0 wins out of 3 and it is doubtful Joo Cheonhui and Hirano played at full strength in a league match right before WTT SCT Doha 2025.

Likewise, Harimoto held back even more. Compare the distance covered by the left leg of CIC and that of Harimoto in that cross step.

 

[zeio]

平野美宇、指揮官も賛辞を贈る24歳の経験値「技術が豊富」　パリ五輪単初出場の2024年は「結果が得られたのが1番」【Tリーグ】
https://spread-sports.jp/archives/316807

■無敗記録を伸ばし年内終了

平野美宇は第2マッチで今枝愛美と対戦。立ち上がりから鋭い両ハンドを見せるなど好調を維持して11－4、11－4と連取する。最後も終盤の5連続ポイントなどで相手を圧倒し、ストレート勝ちで今季の無敗記録を12まで伸ばした。

平野は試合後に、「今年最後の試合で勝つことができて良かったですし、最後の試合でいい締めくくりができたかなと思います」と切り出すと、「Tリーグに参戦してから全勝はあまりなかったので、シーズンの途中なんですけど、今年は安定して勝つことができていると思います」と年内全勝について語った。

平野については中澤鋭監督も賛辞を寄せており、「平野自身の持っている技術や戦術は私の角度から見るとほかの選手より豊富」と断言。「今までは同じことをやって負けるケースもあったけれど、今はいろんなケースバイケースでいろんな戦術が使えるようになった」とキャリアを重ねてプレー選択の幅が広がったと印象を明かした。

パリ五輪イヤーだった2024年について平野は「今年は結果が得られたのが1番」と振り返る。「今まで団体戦の大きな大会（世界卓球やアジア選手権）で中国に勝てたことがなくて、勝ちたいと思っていましたし、あとは五輪シングルスに出たいと思っていたので、それを叶えることができたので今まで目標にしていたものが叶った1年だと思います」と総括した。

Hirano Miu faced Imaeda Manami in the second match. She showed sharp forehands and backhands from the start and maintained her good form, winning 11-4 and 11-4. She also overwhelmed her opponent with 5 consecutive points in the endgame, winning in straight games and extending her unbeaten streak to 12 this season.

After the match, Hirano said, "I'm glad I was able to win the last match of the year, and I think I was able to end it well with my last match," and talked about her undefeated record this year, saying, "I haven't been able to win all my matches since joining the T.League, so even though I'm in the middle of the season, I think I've been able to win consistently this year."

Coach Nakazawa Rui also praised Hirano, saying, "From my perspective, Hirano's own skills and tactics are more abundant than other players." He revealed his impression that her range of shot selections has expanded as she progresses in her career, saying, "Until now, there were cases where she would do the same thing and lose, but now she can use various tactics on a case-by-case basis."

Looking back on 2024, the year of the Paris Olympics, Hirano said, "The results achieved this year are the best yet. We had never been able to beat China in a major team tournament (WTTC or ATTC) before, so I always wanted to win, and I also wanted to compete in the Olympic singles, so I was able to make that happen, so I think this was a year in which all my goals came true."

張本美和、2025年さらなる飛躍へ16歳が掲げる理想像「安定した選手になる」　指揮官が求める伸びしろ「すごく才能がある選手なので……」【Tリーグ】
https://spread-sports.jp/archives/316726

■韓国エースに競り勝つ

張本美和は第1マッチでは木原美悠とのダブルスで梅村優香、塩見真希ペアと戦い、第2ゲームは支配されるなど波に乗れずにストレートで敗戦。しかし、第3マッチのシングルスでは韓国のエースで世界ランキング10位の申裕斌相手に2ゲームを先取して3－1で競り勝った。その後、長﨑美柚も第4マッチをフルゲームで制しチームの勝利につながった。

張本美はパリ五輪をはじめとした国際大会にも多く出場した2024年を、「すごく楽しかった1年でした。毎年楽しいと思えるような1年にしたいと自分では決めているので、今年も聞かれたら楽しいと思える1年にできたのでよかった」と振り返る。

2025年の目標を1月の全日本選手権制覇に置く16歳は、自身の理想像について「自分のなかでは安定した選手になりたいのが1番はある」と言及。期待を寄せる中澤鋭監督も「すごく才能がある選手なので、これからは吸収すること。いろんな自分ができる分野だけじゃなく、いろんな指導者からアドバイスをもらって、いろんな角度から試合を見てもっと豊富にする。やれることだけ頑張るのではなく、苦手なことも頑張れるようにする」と世界トップ選手へ求めることを明かした。

張本美は飛躍した2024年を経て、「今年はたくさん試合をした分、したことがなかった選手とやったり、勝った試合も負けた試合もありますが、もう1回さらに勝つほうが難しい。勝ち続けることを目標にして、まだ勝ったことがない選手もいるので、そういう選手にも挑戦して勝っていけるようにしたい」とさらなるレベルアップを誓った。

■ Beating a Korean ace

In the first match, Harimoto Miwa played doubles with Kihara Miyuu against the pair Umemura Yuka and Shiomi Maki, but was unable to get on a roll and lost in straight games, being dominated in the second game. However, in the third singles match, she took the first two games against Shin Yubin, the Korean ace and world number 10, and won 3-1. After that, Nagasaki Miyu also won the fourth match in full games, leading to the team's victory.

Looking back on 2024, in which she participated in many international competitions including the Paris Olympics, Harimoto Mi[wa] said, "It was a really fun year. I've decided that I want to make every year a year that I can enjoy, so I'm glad that this year was also a year that I can enjoy if asked."

The 16-year-old, whose goal for 2025 is to win the All-Japan Championships in January, said of her ideal self, "My number one goal is to become a stable player." Coach Nakazawa Rui, who has high expectations for her, also said, "She is a very talented player, so from now on she will absorb things. Not only in the areas I can do, but also get advice from various coaches and watch games from various angles to enrich her knowledge. Instead of just working hard at what I can do, I will try to work hard at things I'm not good at." He revealed what he expects from the world's top players.

After a breakthrough in 2024, Harimoto Mi[wa] vowed to further improve her level, saying, "I played a lot of games this year, so I played against players I've never played against before, and I won and lost some matches, but to win again is more difficult. My goal is to keep winning, and there are players I haven't beaten yet, so I want to challenge those players and be able to win."

 

[pongfugrasshopper]

...
Kihara has been playing so bad that even Nagasaki can't save her.
...

At least Kihara is trying to get better by playing Chinese Super League. But unfortunately for her, things haven't been going so great even in T-League with 2 losses to Asuka Sasao. When they next decide the National Team for 2025, Odo will be selected for sure and that leaves most likely Kihara out if they continue to limit the team to 5 players.

 

[5545]

At least Kihara is trying to get better by playing Chinese Super League. But unfortunately for her, things haven't been going so great even in T-League with 2 losses to Asuka Sasao. When they next decide the National Team for 2025, Odo will be selected for sure and that leaves most likely Kihara out if they continue to limit the team to 5 players.

Can someone explain why Ito is on the National Team despite crashing out in R16 for two consecutive Nationals....
Is it her WR maybe?

 

[pongfugrasshopper]

Can someone explain why Ito is on the National Team despite crashing out in R16 for two consecutive Nationals....
Is it her WR maybe?

Although things could change in the years to come, she's among the top 5 best Japanese players: Hayata, Miwa, Odo, Hirano, Ito. Kihara and Nagasaki have inconsistent results. I do think there's a case to be made for Honoka Hashimoto.

 

[5545]

Although things could change in the years to come, she's among the top 5 best Japanese players: Hayata, Miwa, Odo, Hirano, Ito.

Thats true, I just thought JTTA choose NT members mostly from All-Japan so I didn't know how she got selected to be on the team.

 

[Takkyu_wa_inochi]

Hashimoto beats Hayata 3-0 in Tleague 3x 11-10

 

[zeio]

Hashimoto beats Hayata 3-0 in Tleague 3x 11-10

4 losses (1 WD and then 3 WS) qualify for the "not in working order" description. Her FH is taking a big toll now.

 

[pongfugrasshopper]

This is the most competitive T-League season for the women we've had. NP Mallets are looking to break the stranglehold that the Red Elves and Abyell has had on the championship since the inception of T-League. No one is going to beat the NP Mallet's Sato/Hashimoto in doubles, and they have Odo/Yokoi in reserve for doubles. They're all also pretty good in singles as well. They just need an answer for Abyell's red hot Miu Hirano who pretty much has a lock on MVP. Otherwise, they'll need to hope Odo or Hashimoto can stop Miwa.

 

[Takkyu_wa_inochi]

This is the most competitive T-League season for the women we've had. NP Mallets are looking to break the stranglehold that the Red Elves and Abyell has had on the championship since the inception of T-League. No one is going to beat the NP Mallet's Sato/Hashimoto in doubles, and they have Odo/Yokoi in reserve for doubles. They're all also pretty good in singles as well. They just need an answer for Abyell's red hot Miu Hirano who pretty much has a lock on MVP. Otherwise, they'll need to hope Odo or Hashimoto can stop Miwa.

OTOH we have a very weak team with Kyoto...

 

[zeio]

感觉平野可以展望洛杉矶了 (I feel like Hirano can look forward to Los Angeles)
https://tieba.baidu.com/p/9387736907#151485623323l
慢嗨梁祝 单打不好说，至少上团体
虽然日女很卷，但平野上限高，这两年赢过孙颖莎王艺迪陈幸同，团体战神，总能凑一分。被研究这么多年又游回来的感觉
看了木下教练发的t联赛14连胜了，最近打赢了大藤还有早田（一局定胜负）
她说巴黎是她唯一一次单打机会，输了很可惜，其实想想抽到申裕斌那个四分之一区其实是个好签，可惜了
据说她巴奥之后想退役了，亚锦赛女团金牌之后又想接着打了，觉得团队离不开她。最近的采访也是说还有奥运的梦想，感觉乒乓球很有趣
早田的手目前看一时半会好不了，大藤也极不稳定
jtta肯定是想拼的，他们银牌基本上是稳的，肯定是选最能冲击金牌的选手，平野关键时刻能赢孙颖莎王艺迪陈幸同还是有机会的
IP属地:河北来自Android客户端1楼2025-01-04 21:21回复
It's hard to say for singles, but at least she will make the teams
Although the Japanese women's team is very competitive, Hirano has a high ceiling and has defeated Sun Yingsha, Wang Yidi and Chen Xingtong in the past two years. A God of Warrior in teams, she is always able to chip in a point. It feels like she has been studied for so many years and she is back once again
I saw the 14-match winning streak in the T.League posted by the coach of Kinoshita. Recently, she beat Odo and Hayata (one-game decider match)
She said that Paris was her only chance in singles, and it was a pity to lose. In fact, it was a good draw to get Shin Yubin in the quarter-finals. It's a pity
It is said that she wanted to retire after Paris Olympics, but now wants to continue playing after winning the gold medal in the women's team at the ATTC, feeling that the team can't do without her. In a recent interview, she also said that she still has the Olympic dream, and that table tennis is very interesting
It seems that Hayata's hand will not be healed for a while, and Odo is also extremely unstable.
There is little doubt that JTTA wants to go for it. To them, the silver medal is basically secured. They will definitely choose the players who can challenge the gold medal the most. Hirano still has a chance to beat Sun Yingsha, Wang Yidi and Chen Xingtong at the critical moment.

bunny兔子55 平野每次单打不行，团体却能凑一分，真的牛逼。
IP属地:上海来自iPhone客户端24楼2025-01-05 08:37收起回复
(Every time Hirano craps out in singles, she always manages to chip in a point in teams, truly awesome.)
哈哈哈哈好吧亟: 这才是真正的大格局
2025-1-5 11:08回复
(This is the real big picture)
蒯曼（萌萌哒版）: 她单打的时候感觉有注意力缺陷，每次打着打着就走神。团体的时候鬼子那种不给人添麻烦的基因在作祟，两边一抵消反而能专注了
2025-1-5 11:18回复
She seems to have attention deficit when playing singles, and her mind wanders every time she plays. When playing in teams, the gene of not causing trouble for others among the Japs comes into play, where the two sides cancel each other out and she can focus

Danny710 四年变数真的很大 不过t联赛打完她心气应该也上来了 现在都能说希望25全日锦拿金牌 其实东奥的时候她就想过早点结婚生子这些了 队里竞争确实厉害 美和肯定会拿一单 迷马木原长崎她们没优势 木原长崎本来就是靠双打上桌 但是现在队里想配木原美和 但是看不出来优势 甚至不如大藤横井 早田这个玻璃人不用说了 很难扛到下届 所以我觉得她唯一的竞争对手就是大藤 但她内战王除了支线常挑刷刷小皮子们其他外战能力看不出来 蒙彼利埃也就是一路内战上来的
IP属地:四川来自iPhone客户端25楼2025-01-05 09:48收起回复
Many things can happen in four years, but her ambition should have gone up after playing in the T.League. Now she can even say that she hopes to win the 2025 All-Japan Championships. In fact, she thought about getting married and having children early during the Tokyo Olympic cycle. The competition in the team is really fierce. Miwa will definitely snatch the first singles. Mima, Kihara and Nagasaki have no advantage. Kihara/Nagasaki originally relied on doubles to get to the table. But now the team wants to pair Kihara/Miwa, but I can't see the advantage. The pair is not even as good as Odo/Yokoi. Needless to say, Hayata is a glass man. It is very difficult for her to last until the next edition. Therefore, I think her only competitor is Odo, but she is the king of civil wars. Except for the Feeders and Contenders where she often mobbed the small fry, her other foreign war abilities are not obvious. She got to the top through civil wars at Montpellier
Danny710: 她混双跟女双没有任何优势 最好的女双就是跟纯妹了 跟美和她们配的完全就是黑洞
2025-1-5 09:51回复
She has no advantage in mixed doubles and women's doubles. The best women's doubles partner is sister Kasumi. She is a total black hole when paired with Miwa
慢嗨梁祝: 她目前先把世排刷一下吧，参加几个挑战赛还有新加坡大满贯好好打，不然快要参加不了冠军赛了。我还是看好她的，虽然不稳定但是赢过国乒主力的心气不一样
2025-1-5 09:59回复
She should first get her world ranking up, participate in a few Contenders and play well in the Singapore Smash, otherwise she will not be able to participate in the Champions. I still think she has a shot, though inconsistent, she has a different spirit for someone who has defeated the main players of the national team

 

[Vlad Celler]

Star Doha
WS draw

World Table Tennis

worldtabletennis.com