Impressive one week ago in Korea when he negotiated the group stage of both the Menโs Singles and Under 21 Menโs Singles events; Swedenโs Hampus SODERLUND was in form as the GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour moved to the city of Yokohama in Japan. He was the
Impressive one week ago in Korea when he negotiated the group stage of both the Menโs Singles and Under 21 Menโs Singles events; Swedenโs Hampus SODERLUND was in form as the GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour moved to the city of Yokohama in Japan.
He was the player who on the first day of action in the qualification stage of proceedings caused the biggest upset; he accounted for Chinaโs ZHOU Qihao the highest rated player in the opening phase of the competition.
Executing his powerful attacking skills to good effect he posted a straight games win (11-7 11-9 11-5 11-9). In his second round contest he accounted for Indiaโs Sathiyan GNANASEKARAN and secured the place in the main draw.
However the most significant name to suffer was that of Russiaโs Fedor KUZMIN the winner of the Menโs Singles title at the Slovenian Open in 2005; he was beaten by the host nationโs Yuya OSHIMA (6-11 11-9 11-5 11-7 11-8). Despite the defeat KUZMIN progressed further. He overcame Chinese Taipeiโs Chin Mao-Cheng to secure passage.
Benjamin BROSSIER suffered defeat in his opening match; he was beaten by Japanโs Jin Ueda (6-11 9-11 12-10 11-9 11-7 11-6) but then recovered to overcome Swedenโs Mattias KARLSSON (4-11 11-9 13-11 5-11 11-9 12-10). The final outcome however went in Swedeโs favour. KARLSSON concluded the Group stage at position no. one whilst French player finished third.
