Fuse lit for final day in Goa
28 January 2024
The final day has arrived WTT Star Contender Goa. In the singles events, just one player standing holds WTT Star Contender title in their trophy cabinet, so there are going to be plenty of milestones cracked by the day's end. With the finish line in sight, check out the rundown of the semifinal action ahead of us as the last athletes standing get set for their penultimate showdowns.
[1] Shin Yubin (KOR) vs [5] Nina Mittelham (GER) | WS SF - 13:00 (GMT+5:30)
Head-to-Head: 1:0 | Recent: Shin Y. (11-4, 7-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-6) QF @ 2018 ITTF Challenge Belgium Open
The spotlight is on Shin Yubin and Nina Mittelham as the duo lock horns for the first time since 2018. Top seed Shin, with three WTT Series singles titles under her belt, is coming hot off a runner-up finish in Doha. Mittelham, making a comeback to the semifinals since last September, is set to challenge Shin's dominance. When it comes to the collision of styles it should tee up plenty of long rallies. Shin will try hold firm close to the table and pick up the tempo, while Mittelham will take a small step back and look to create time to create some big strokes off both wings. With both players are vying for their maiden WTT Star Contender singles crown, the stage is set for a high-energy clash.
FOLLOW EVENT ACTION
[2] Felix Lebrun (FRA) vs [16] Patrick Franziska (GER) | MS SF - 13:40 (GMT+5:30)
Head-to-Head: 0:0 | Recent: NA
In a first-ever encounter, France's young prodigy Felix Lebrun faces the experienced Patrick Franziska. Both seeking their first WTT Star Contender singles title, the stakes are high. Lebrun, already a WTT Contender title holder, is looking for an upgrade. With a 73% win rate of against opponents aged 10+ his senior, Lebrun could be heavy statistical favourite. Meanwhile, 31-year-old Franziska trails with a 55% record against players aged 10+ years his junior. Time spent on court could be the real clincher. In the Men's Singles alone, the German has post three consecutive 3-2 wins, amounting to 143 minutes and 11 seconds. Lebrun in comparison is yet to drop a game, and is spent a mere 57 minutes and 5 seconds at the table in the event. Watch to see if Franziska's legs can carry him past the rapidly rising star.
[2] Xiaoxin Yang (MON) vs [4] Cheng I-Ching (TPE) | WS SF - 14:20 (GMT+5:30)
Head-to-Head: 0:0 | Recent: NA
Get set for a first-time clash as Xiaoxin Yang takes on Cheng I-Ching. Yang, a former WTT Series winner, is looking for her first title since 2021. She will need to bring her A-game against Chen. The Chinese Taipei stalwart is stepping into her first WTT Series semifinal in over 10 months. But Goa brings back good memories for Cheng, who was runner-up at last year's event. This match is a collision of ambition and skill, where both players are hungry for a spot in the final.
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[1] Hugo Calderano (BRA) vs [5] Dimitrij Ovtcharov (GER) | MS SF - 15:00 (GMT+5:30)
Head-to-Head: 1:3 | Recent: H. Calderano 3-1 (11-5, 11-7, 14-16, 13-11) R16 @ WTT Champions Macao 2023
Top seed Hugo Calderano takes on the formidable Dimitrij Ovtcharov in a high-stakes showdown. Calderano, a five-time WTT Series winner, is eyeing his first WTT Star Contender final since his 2021 triumph. Meanwhile, Ovtcharov, is chasing his first WTT Series title in over 1,000 days. The top seed may have one their last encounter but Dima holds the overall head-to-head lead at 3:1. Tune in to see if the Brazilian has finally turned the tide against Ovtcharov, or will the former World No.1 add another chapter to his recent resurgence. Expect big serves and big swings off both corners in this blockbuster matchup.
Check out the complete final day schedule here.