says
Shoo...nothing to see here. - zeio
Miwa's In-depth interview with Table Tennis Kingdom.
全農カップ(パリ五輪選考会)で初優勝を飾った張本美和「優勝は自信になった。でも実力は早田選手のほうが上です」
https://world-tt.com/blog/news/archives/139339
On day 1 of Zennoh Cup Osaka, when asked about if she was aware of becoming the 3rd member for Paris 2024, Harimoto says unless she wins the WTT Finals 2023 and Zennihon Takkyu 2024, the odds will be zero. And she gets pressure when she thinks about it and so she plays without thinking about it but with the feeling of testing herself.
On day 2, when asked about beating the existence that she should have overcome, Harimoto says that beating Hayata has given her confidence but Hayata is still above in strength, and that Hirano or Ito is likely the other singles player for Paris 2024 so she is not too hung up on that or finishing in what position but to raise her standing one by one and reach where she is capable of.
https://www.tabletennisdaily.com/fo...-be-revamped-for-paris-2024.24977/post-433186
全農カップ(パリ五輪選考会)で初優勝を飾った張本美和「優勝は自信になった。でも実力は早田選手のほうが上です」
https://world-tt.com/blog/news/archives/139339
On day 1 of Zennoh Cup Osaka, when asked about if she was aware of becoming the 3rd member for Paris 2024, Harimoto says unless she wins the WTT Finals 2023 and Zennihon Takkyu 2024, the odds will be zero. And she gets pressure when she thinks about it and so she plays without thinking about it but with the feeling of testing herself.
On day 2, when asked about beating the existence that she should have overcome, Harimoto says that beating Hayata has given her confidence but Hayata is still above in strength, and that Hirano or Ito is likely the other singles player for Paris 2024 so she is not too hung up on that or finishing in what position but to raise her standing one by one and reach where she is capable of.
https://www.tabletennisdaily.com/fo...-be-revamped-for-paris-2024.24977/post-433186
In terms of stats, Hirano, Kihara and Harimoto is actually the best but risky lineup if Japan wants to beat China, with the latter two having no prior experience, whereas Hirano was the reserve at Rio 2016 and Hayata at Tokyo 2020. Kihara/Harimoto for the doubles, Hirano for the first singles, and Harimoto for the second singles. This lineup can't afford to have Hirano go offline and is potentially vulnerable against South Korea so requires the draw to work in their favor.
In reality, Hayata, Hirano and Kihara/Harimoto (3rd member/reserve) is likely what JTTA has in mind. Having Hayata and Hirano would reduce the doubles strength and flexibility but would be more assuring before the final. Unless Harimoto overtakes Kihara in standings, JTTA may be forced to play by the book and pick the latter, at which point winning gold is pretty much out of the question. At the end of the day, Hirano, Kihara and Harimoto are affiliated with Kinoshita Group, so they are the biggest winner regardless.