Sports Bulletin Report
Bangkok (Thailand): WTT Star Contender Bangkok 2024 has wrapped up in sensational fashion. With USD 250,000 at stake, the event delivered dramatic battles in the heart of the land of smiles.
In the Women's Singles final, Mima Ito (JPN) triumphed over Honoka Hashimoto (JPN) in a gripping six-game battle, winning 4-2 (11:6, 12:14, 4:11, 11:5, 11:8, 11:5). Ito, competing in her first singles final since WTT Star Contender Ljubljana 2023, showcased her championship pedigree to secure her fifth WTT Series title. Hashimoto, who began her journey in the qualifying rounds, put up a valiant effort in her first-ever WTT Series final, making a memorable debut at her first WTT Star Contender event.
“Facing Hashimoto is always a close match, just like the ones we had in Japan. We've had many matches where no one could predict the winner until the very last moment. Given the fierce competition and today's hot weather, we couldn't stop sweating and had to take a lot of pauses during the match for this reason. I'm glad I was able to compete calmly in such conditions.” – Mima Ito
In the Men's Singles final, Tomokazu Harimoto (JPN) delivered a dominant performance against defending champion Lin Gaoyuan (CHN), winning 4-0 (11:3, 11:8, 11:6, 11:9). Lin, the top seed and wildcard, entered the final as the defending champion from last year’s WTT Star Contender Bangkok, having equaled his best effort of the season from WTT Star Contender Doha 2024. Harimoto, who already boasts a WTT Star Contender title from Doha 2021, secured his second consecutive triple crown following his historic win at WTT Contender Tunis last week.
“It’s incredible to have won the final 4-0 today. I gave everything in both the semifinals and the final, yet I still feel energized. This event has significantly boosted my confidence in my physical strength. Following last week’s victories in Tunis, securing a triple crown for the second consecutive week and winning six titles in two weeks is beyond anything I imagined. When I left Japan, I hoped for one or two titles. Achieving this is simply unbelievable, and I’m absolutely thrilled.” - Tomokazu Harimoto
In Mixed Doubles, Tomokazu Harimoto and Hina Hayata (JPN) dominated Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem (HKG) with a 3:1 victory (11:3, 11:8, 9:11,11:8). This triumph marked their fourth Mixed Doubles title in 2024, continuing their incredible form following victories at WTT Contender Tunis and WTT Star Contender Ljubljana.
Honoka Hashimoto and Hitomi Sato (JPN) claimed the Women’s Doubles title by defeating top seeds Jeon Jihee and Shin Yubin (KOR) 3:1 (9:11, 11:7, 11:8, 13:11). Hashimoto and Sato, unbeaten in WTT events this year, secured their second WTT Series Women’s Doubles title, having previously won at WTT Contender Rio de Janeiro and WTT Feeder Cappadocia.
