Sports Bulletin Report
Paris (France): Thursday’s action at South Paris Arena 4 has set up a thrilling Gold Medal match in the Women’s Team event for Saturday at Paris 2024. Just like in Tokyo 2020, China’s Women’s Team will face Japan in a much-anticipated showdown as they battle for gold.
China secured their place in the final after a dominant 3-0 victory over Korea Republic. The match began with Chen Meng and Wang Manyu winning the doubles encounter 3-1 (11-4, 11-5, 9-11, 11-9) against Shin Yubin and Jeon Jihee. Sun Yingsha then extended China’s lead with a commanding 3-0 (11-5, 11-1, 11-3) victory over Lee Eunhye. Wang Manyu sealed the win, defeating Jeon Jihee 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-3), ensuring China’s chance to fight for their fifth consecutive Women’s Team Gold Medal at the Olympics.
In the other semifinal, Japan's Women's Team advanced to the final with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Germany. The match kicked off with Miu Hirano and Hina Hayata securing a 3-1 (11-3, 11-3, 6-11, 11-8) win in the doubles against Xiaona Shan and Yuan Wan. Germany's 18-year-old sensation, Annett Kaufmann, levelled the score with a stunning 3-0 (11-9, 11-8, 11-8) victory over world number 8 and 16-year-old Miwa Harimoto, showcasing her remarkable talent on the world stage. However, Miu Hirano regained Japan's lead with a 3-0 (11-7, 11-6, 11-9) win over Yuan Wan. The tie was decided in the final singles match, where Miwa Harimoto delivered a dominant 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-0) victory over Xiaona Shan, securing Japan's spot in the gold medal match and making Harimoto the youngest table tennis medallist at Paris 2024.
