European hopes of reaching the final came to an end at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in London, as both Germany and Romania suffered 3-0 defeats in the women’s semi-finals. Nevertheless, both teams leave the event with bronze medals after impressive campaigns.
Japan secured their place in the final with a strong performance against Germany. Miwa HARIMOTO overcame Ying HAN in four games, before Hina HAYATA edged past Sabine WINTER in a dramatic five-game battle. Honoka HASHIMOTO then sealed the victory against Nina MITTELHAM.
Meanwhile, reigning champions China proved too strong for Romania. SUN Yingsha defeated Elizabeta SAMARA, while WANG Manyu overcame Bernadette SZOCS despite a strong fight in the third game. KUAI Man completed the sweep against Andreea DRAGOMAN.
Although denied a place in the final, both Germany and Romania can take pride in securing bronze medals on the world stage.
Japan – Germany 3-0
- Miwa Harimoto – Ying Han 3-1 (5-11, 12-10, 11-3, 11-8)
- Hina Hayata – Sabine Winter 3-2 (10-12, 6-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-6)
- Honoka Hashimoto – Nina Mittelham 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-5)
China – Romania 3-0
- SUN Yingsha – Elizabeta SAMARA 3-0 (11-3, 11-4, 11-5)
- WANG Manyu – Bernadette SZOCS 3-0 (11-4, 11-9, 12-10)
- KUAI Man – Andreea DRAGOMAN 3-0 (12-10, 11-6, 12-10)
