The WTT Doha Star Challenge is in full swing! In a key match-up, the second seed of this competition, Japanese youngster Zhang Benmeihe, faced off against Thai player Orawan Palanang. After five rounds of fierce competition, Zhang Benmeihe was surprisingly defeated by her opponent with a score of 2-3, ending her run in the second round of the tournament.
Zhang Benmeihe is only 17 years old. Despite her young age, she possesses remarkable skills. According to the latest world rankings, Zhang Benmeihe has reached sixth place. Orawan Palanang, now 25 years old, currently ranks 47th in the world. Her achievements are not particularly outstanding. Prior to the match, the media generally favored Zhang Benmeihe to win the game. However, the outcome was unexpected.
In the first game, both players quickly entered the state. They engaged in intense exchanges. However, Zhang Benmeihe seized the opportunity and took control in the latter half of the match. With a score of 11-7, Zhang Benmeihe took the lead. In the second game, the match became even more closely contested. Both sides engaged in a tug-of-war from the start. The battle continued until a score of 9-9. Orawan Palanang made a decisive move and won with a score of 11-9. The overall score tied at 1-1. In the third game, after making adjustments, Zhang Benmeihe took the upper hand from the beginning. The score was quickly widened. With a score of 10-7, Zhang Benmeihe once again took the lead with a big score of 2-1 and obtained the match point. In the fourth game, Orawan Palanang also fought with her back against the wall and went all out. After leading 5-4, she scored six consecutive points to win with a score of 11-4, leveling the score again. Both sides entered the decisive game. Zhang Benmeihe took an early lead of 5-3. After changing positions, Orawan Palanang experienced another burst of energy. She continuously scored points. With a score of 11-7, Orawan Palanang won the decisive game. Ultimately, Zhang Benmeihe was surprisingly defeated by Orawan Palanang with a score of 2-3 and was eliminated from the competition.
The elimination of Zhang Benmeihe is good news for Chen Yi and Kuai Man, who are aiming to win the championship! Many Chinese women's table tennis players, including Sun Yingsha, Wang Yidi, and Chen Xingdeng, have previously lost to Zhang Benmeihe. Moreover, Zhang Benmeihe's momentum has been very strong, and she is still very young. It can be said that she is the top rival of the national table tennis team and the strongest competitor for the women's singles championship in this event. Now that Zhang Benmeihe is out, there is one less obstacle on the road to winning the championship! Congratulations to Chen Yi and Kuai Man! Upon learning of Zhang Benmeihe's elimination, it is believed that Coach Liu Guoliang will be overjoyed! Coach Liu Guoliang is well aware that Zhang Benmeihe poses a significant threat to the national women's table tennis team's quest for the championship. Now that Zhang Benmeihe has been eliminated, Chen Yi and Kuai Man have a greater chance of winning the title!
Our hopes for the women's table tennis team to win the championship are high, but the situation for the men's team is not good. As of now, all five male athletes participating in the competition have been eliminated prematurely! Coach Liu Guoliang still needs to help them grow! Come on!
