The Mascot Challenge singles quarterfinals presented a true challenge for the national table tennis team, especially for young player Huang Youzheng, who is fighting on three fronts. Despite his young age, Huang has already become a national champion with remarkable talent, and this tournament provided him with an opportunity to aim for the triple crown. In the singles round, Huang faced a formidable opponent in Tomokazu Harimoto, with whom he shares a similar age but not experience and accolades. This match served as an excellent learning opportunity for Huang.
In the first game, Huang missed a golden opportunity and lost 11-13. However, he regained his fighting spirit in the second game, winning 11-8 to level the score. In the third game, Huang did not fall behind in terms of power and speed, nor was the quality lacking. However, he made too many simple mistakes, many of which were opportunities. Huang's tenacity is commendable, but he tends to get anxious easily. After falling behind 1-6 and conceding a match point early, Huang did not give up and fought back to 8-10. Harimoto called a timeout and returned to win the point with a serve and attack, taking the lead 11-8.
In the fourth game, the two players competed fiercely in the first three rallies, with Huang trailing 1-4 and forced to call a timeout. He gave Harimoto too many chances at the backhand, but Huang persisted through gritted teeth and had good serving effects. Mid-game, he caught up to 6-all, and Harimoto's mentality also fluctuated, with more unforced errors creeping in. Huang took the initiative at the forecourt, earning three game points. However, Harimoto's luck was exceptional, scoring with a net cord, which affected Huang, causing him to lose four consecutive points and concede the match point. Although Huang is not intimidated by Harimoto in terms of hard power, there is a significant gap between them in critical moments. Ultimately, Harimoto won again with 13-11, defeating Huang 3-1 overall. For Huang, the loss is entirely acceptable, and his overall performance is worthy of recognition. He still needs to accumulate experience in terms of stability and adaptability, but it is believed that in another two years, Huang will reach new heights.
Chen Yuanyu continued his form from the previous round, easily defeating the dark horse Manash Shah 3-0 and meeting another dark horse Guo Guanhong. Kuai Man defeated Chen Yi 3-1, while Shi Xunyao sealed a 3-0 victory over Du Kaiqin. Tan Yuxuan did not repeat Huang's missteps; as a young player, her maturity is evident. Facing Liu Yangzi, who possesses considerable strength, Tan pushed the first game to 18-16 and encountered adversity in the fourth game. However, she fearlessly fought for key points, especially with her sharp backhand, which was both high-quality and fast-paced, growing increasingly confident. She ultimately advanced with a 3-1 victory. The growth of the national table tennis women's singles reserve forces has slowed somewhat in recent years, but recently, Kuai Man has been rapidly improving, with both stability and psychological qualities on the rise. Tan Yuxuan has also emerged, which is satisfying.
The Mascot Challenge singles semifinals are now set, with Chen Yuanyu facing Guo Guanhong and Harimoto against Wong Chun Ting in the men's draw. In the women's draw, Kuai Man will face off against Oshima Miharu again, while Shi Xunyao will welcome Tan Yuxuan.