"It is a pity that Ito Mima was not selected for the Paris Olympics, and we won't be able to see her compete against Sun Yingsha. The Japanese team has chosen Zhang Benmei in hopes that she can defeat the Chinese team and help win the gold medal."
The Japanese table tennis team, a formidable opponent of the national team, has announced their roster for the Paris Olympics. Notably, they have chosen 15-year-old Zhang Benmei as the third member of the women's team, which is a bold decision.
What reasons led the Japanese team to choose Zhang Benmei over Ito Mima, a two-time Olympian and the only current Olympic champion on the Japanese team?
Japanese women's team head coach Watanabe Takehiro provided an answer, with one key point being Zhang Benmei's victories over Sun Yingsha in women's doubles and mixed doubles events. As Watanabe said, "During the selection process, he was very troubled because Ito Mima is an Olympic gold medalist and an excellent player. However, considering her performance last year, Zhang Benmei has been more outstanding."
Watanabe further explained, "At last year's Asian Games, Zhang Benmei teamed up with Kihara Miyuu to defeat the former world champions (Sun Yingsha/Wang Manyu). At the end of last year's Chengdu Mixed Team World Cup, she partnered with Tohsho Aruga to defeat the world number one (Sun Yingsha/Wang Chuqin), achieving remarkable results."
From Japan's choice of Zhang Benmei, it seems they are betting on her performance in the women's doubles at the Olympics. Watanabe stated that his focus in choosing the third member was to defeat the Chinese team and win the gold medal.
The 15-year-old Zhang Benmei sometimes demonstrates strong attacking power when facing the main players of the national team, causing difficulties for Sun Yingsha and Wang Manyu at certain times. The Japanese team chose her, hoping to use her as a trump card to challenge for the gold medal.
The omission of Ito Mima is filled with regret. Since the Tokyo Olympics, she seems to have been "reversing," with her previous ferocity, agility, and momentum diminishing.
Although Ito Mima has been completely abandoned and will not participate in the Paris Olympics, Watanabe still has high hopes for her. He said, "She is a treasure of Japanese table tennis. Although it is unknown whether she needs rest or to fully activate herself mentally and physically, it is certain that she will return after further training."
Coach Watanabe continues to support Ito Mima, and here, we hope she can return soon and rekindle her past glory!
The Japanese team has sent Hina Hayata, Miu Hirano, and Zhang Benmei. It remains to be seen if the national team will field Sun Yingsha, Chen Meng, and Wang Manyu.