It bled my heart to watch live HK went down to Japan in nail biting games. I thought we had a shot going into the 2014 World Team final against mighty China, with an upset this morning despite logic tells me otherwise.

The local crowd/supporters made a huge difference, as expected, in this semi final outcome. Japan won 3-1 in three 5 set winners with plenty of drama.

The critical game is Game 3 when 吳穎嵐 was up 2-0 (down 0-5 in 2nd) against 平野 早矢香 and could clinch the all important 3rd game to give HK a 2-1 lead overall. I thought the upset on the way against home court favorite. >From the game line up. We will clinch the game with a tight 3-2 in 5th set with veteran 姜華珺 strategically placed to face a lesser Japanese competitor in the final and deciding game.

Ng collapsed in Set #4, lost momentum, fought a good battle in 5th set and lost (too tentative in her last 3 sets. Wits made a slight difference in the final outcome). That sealed the final outcome of this semi final.

Game 4 was a nail biter but 李皓晴 (#14 World ranking with a great climb in ranking this year) has never beaten 石川佳純 (was #8, currently #9). Lee played fearlessly and went down in 5 sets and I consider that a major boost in confidence going forward for this young lady. BRAVO. She won the only point on record for Hong Kong in the opening game against Yuka Ishigaki (石垣優香), who was recent Egypt Open winner (a medium pip chopper) and could have been the heroine of the day. She is a passionate player like 石川佳純 who wept after clinching her 2nd 5 setter winner over Hong Kong.

The two 21 years old HK born & trained players LEE & NG are a big part of the HK team future success and should hold their heads high going forward.

So bring your friends to 6/28/2014 HKISAA Table Tennis Tourney at CCTTA and cheer for our team even if you are not playing.

SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

We are the defending champion but opponent strength has been deepened and they have home court advantage in a way. Re-ignite your passion and support our team (s)!

You can watch the games on tape now on http://www.ittf.com/ittv/

Go WYK go! Come to the Game on 6/28/2014 Saturday from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm and join banquet after. We need your help!