June 11, 2009
Japan Open: Match of the Day
 Kenta Matsudaira the victor in a quite sensational duel. Photo By: Takuya Mawatari |
Courtesy of ITTF It was a duel of quite epic proportions. In the group qualification stage of the Men’s Singles event at the Japan Open in Wakayama, the host nation’s Kenta Matsudaira, the young man who had achieved hero status at the recent H.I.S. World Championships in Yokohama, beat Korea’s Jung Young Sik in a duel that will live long in the memory. |
Kenta Matsudaira won 11-7, 13-11, 6-11, 4-11, 6-11, 11-8, 19-17.
Drama
The well worn phrase “Victory by the narrowest of margins” is an understatement.
Furthermore, the sheer facts mask the actual drama.
Seventh Game
“Kenta was leading 10-6 in the seventh game”, explained Austria’s Karl Jindrak, the ITTF Competition Manager on duty in Wakayama. Jung Young Sik came back to 10-all and then had five match points in a row!”
The chances went begging and they were real chances.
Serving
“On each occasion Jung Young Sik was serving”, emphasized Karl Jindrak. “The defensive blocking play combined with some high risk strokes saw long rallies with the verdict eventually going 19-17 to Kenta Matsudaira; it was a splendid match with Kenta perhaps a little tired from playing in the Volkswagen China versus World Team match.”
In Shanghai, Kenta Matsudaira had lost to Wang Liqin in a close five games encounter, while at the H.I.S. World Championships he had suffered defeat against Wang Liqin’s Chinese national team compatriot, Ma Lin, in what was arguably the most memorable match in the seven days of competition in the Yokohama Arena.
Great Credit
The fact that Jung Young Sik, extended Kenta Matsudaira to the very brink is great credit to the Korean; he finished the group in second place with both Kenta Matsudaira and Jung Young Sik beating the rising French star, Simon Gauzy.
No Luck
Alas, it was scant consolation for the Korean; only the group winner progressed to the main draw and lady luck did not shine on Jung Young Sik; he did not receive one of the four “Lucky Loser” places.
It was not his day but he could reflect with pride on his superb efforts.
Jung Young Sik, so near yet so far.
Photo By: Takuya Mawatari
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