Harimoto hails new era as Japan dethrone table tennis kings China
China had won gold in the event at every Asian Games since 1994 but lost its title after Sora Matsushima beat Wen Ruibo to secure a 3-2 victory.
NAGOYA: Japan's table tennis men's team has claimed victory over China, ending their 32-year reign as Asian Games champions in a thrilling final. Tomokazu Harimoto, a key player, expressed that Japan had long battled an inferiority complex, which ended with their 3-2 win. This triumph marks Japan's first win against China in the men's event since 1994.
The team featured top-ranked Sora Matsushima and Harimoto, both playing in the top five globally. China, led by world number one Wang Chuqin, suffered a demoralizing defeat. Harimoto, whose parents were both born in China, recounted a sense of panic among the Chinese team after Wang's loss in the opening match. Despite China's superior resources, the loss highlights a lack of continuity and talent in their ranks.
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- Harimoto hails new era as Japan dethrone table tennis kings China nst.com.my
- Tennis: Nishikori vows to give all at career-ending Japan Open mainichi.jp
- Harimoto hails new era as Japan dethrone table tennis kings China freemalaysiatoday.com
- Harimoto hails new era as Japan dethrone table tennis kings China japantimes.co.jp
