The U-19 team of Oh Jun-seong (18, Mirae Asset Securities) and Park Ga-hyeon (17, Korean Air), who attempted to win the first mixed doubles gold medal in the history of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Youth championships, failed to overcome China. The team of Lee Seung-soo (13, Daejeon Dongsan Middle School) and Choi Seo-yeon (15, Hosudon Girls’ Middle School), who reached the mixed doubles U-15 final, also lost the gold medal to the Chinese team.
In the U-19 mixed doubles final of this tournament held in Helsingborg, Sweden on the 28th, the pair of Oh Jun-seong and Park Ga-hyeon lost 1-3 (11-8, 9-11, 8-11, 5-11) to China’s Huang Yu-cheng and Jonge-man. did it this was the sixth time (2005, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2024) that Korean table tennis reached the mixed doubles finals of this tournament. However, the gold medal years of 2005 and 2016 had something in common: they did not face the Chinese team in the finals. On this day,the pair of Oh jun-seong and park Ga-hyeon won the first game 11-8 and attempted to become the first team to win the championship by defeating the Chinese team in the final. Though, after losing three games, the first record had to be postponed to a later date.
On the same day, the pair of Lee Seung-soo and Choi Seo-yeon, who reached the U-15 mixed doubles final, lost 1-3 to China’s Li He-chen and Yao Ruixuan and had to be satisfied with the silver medal. In the semifinals of the U-19 women’s doubles, Park Ga-hyeon and Yoo Ye-rin (16, Hwaseong City Corporation) were defeated 0-3 (11-13, 5-11, 6-11) by Japan’s Menderin and Mao Takamori in the semifinals of the U-19 Women’s Doubles. Oh Jun-seong continues his medal challenge in men’s singles. Oh Jun-seong will face china’s Wen Ruibo in the quarterfinals starting at 8 p.m. on the 28th.
In the U-19 men’s doubles, Kim Ga-on (18, Duho high School), who formed a Korea-Japan duo with Japan’s Yoshiyama Kazuki, succeeded in advancing to the finals. The pair of Kim Ga-on and Yoshiyama Kazuki will compete for the gold medal against China’s Huang Yu-jeong and Wen Ruibo in the finals on the 29th.Hwaseong Urban Corporation Youth Team) defeated China 3-2 in the semifinals and advanced to the finals. Choi Seo-yeon and Heo Ye-rim will face the Taiwanese group in the finals on the 29th.
Reporter Lim Bomi [email protected]
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How does the performance of U-19 teams in international tournaments influence the future of table tennis in their respective countries?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Table Tennis Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today,we’re diving into the thrilling world of table tennis,notably focusing on the recent challenges faced by the U-19 teams at the ITTF World Youth Championships. Joining us is Dr. Han Soo-jin, a renowned sports analyst and table tennis coach, to shed some light on this exciting tournament. Thanks for being hear, Dr. Han!
Dr. Han: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an engaging sport.
Editor: let’s talk about the mixed doubles final. Last week,Oh Jun-seong and Park Ga-hyeon came within grasp of making history but fell to a strong Chinese team.What do you think contributed to their loss?
Dr. Han: That match was intense! Oh and park started strong by winning the first game, which gave them momentum. However, the Chinese duo, Huang Yu-cheng and Jonge-man, adjusted their strategy effectively after the first game. They capitalized on errors and took control of the table. The psychological factor can’t be overlooked here; facing a dominating team like China often puts additional pressure on players.
Editor: It’s fascinating how mental factors play such a crucial role. Korea has reached the mixed doubles finals six times, but this marked yet another close attempt without securing gold against China. What do you think this means for the future of Korean table tennis?
Dr.Han: It’s a mixed bag. On one hand, consistently reaching the finals showcases the strength of the Korean training programs and the emerging talent. Conversely, it highlights the need for developing strategies to specifically counteract the Chinese teams, who have been dominant in this sport. The gap is narrowing,but it requires focus and innovation to get over that final hurdle.
Editor: That makes sense. Now, shifting to the U-15 team, lee Seung-soo and Choi Seo-yeon also faced challenges against a Chinese pair. What can young athletes take away from thes experiences?
Dr. Han: For young athletes, every loss can be a learning possibility. Seung-soo and Seo-yeon should analyze their match—what worked, where they struggled, and how they can improve. It’s about building resilience and adaptability. These moments of competition also teach them about the intensity of international play, which is all part of their growth as athletes.
Editor: Well said! Looking ahead, it seems Oh Jun-seong is still in the running for a medal in men’s singles. How vital is it for him to maintain his focus after the mixed doubles outcome?
Dr. Han: It’s incredibly critically important. Transitioning from a defeat in doubles to competing in singles requires mental fortitude. Oh needs to compartmentalize his experiences and focus solely on the singles tournament. Each match is a new opportunity, and a strong performance in singles can serve as a huge morale boost after the mixed doubles experience.
Editor: Absolutely, the mindset is key in sports. Lastly, let’s talk about the excitement surrounding this tournament. What does it mean for table tennis as a whole to have these youth championships?
Dr. Han: Events like the ITTF World Youth Championships are vital for the sport. They not only showcase emerging talent but also help grow the sport’s popularity globally. The exposure young players receive playing against international competitors is invaluable. It boosts their development and inspires the next generation of players. Plus, it captivates audiences and generates more interest in table tennis as a competitive sport.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Han, for your insights. It’s exciting to see how the landscape of table tennis continues to evolve and a pleasure to have you here today!
Dr. Han: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how these young players develop in the future.