Day 4 of the Saudi Smash 2024 delivered relentless excitement with 29 matches played across various categories, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout the day.
Highlight of the day was the men’s doubles match featuring Host Wildcards Ali Alkhadrawi (KSA) / Abdul Aziz Bu Shulaybi (KSA), who faced a challenging bout against the top-seeded duo of Wang Chuqin (CHN) and Ma Long (CHN). Despite a spirited performance, the Saudi pair were outplayed, falling in straight games (11-4, 11-4, 11-9).
In the singles events, stability reigned with no seeds being eliminated on Day 4. The standout singles match saw Felix Lebrun (FRA) take on Benedikt Duda (GER) in a thrilling encounter that stretched to the full distance. Lebrun showcased resilience and skill, ultimately securing victory with scores of 11-6, 7-11, 1-11, 11-4, 11-5.
Video Highlights
Highlights from Day 4 (07 May 2024) Part 1:
https://media.archive.worldtabletennis.com/record/~44f4bf06a0
Highlights from Day 4 (07 May 2024) Part 2:
https://media.archive.worldtabletennis.com/record/~89073156fa
Highlights from Day 4 (07 May 2024) Part 3:
https://media.archive.worldtabletennis.com/record/~f25c828ee5
Stay tuned for these thrilling battles as emerging talents and seasoned competitors clash on the grand stage of Saudi Smash:
A total of 26 matches across various sub-events are on today’s lineup, promising non-stop excitement. The first finalists of the Saudi Smash will be determined today with the semifinals of the Mixed Doubles event.
Qualifiers Noshad Alamiyan (IRI) and Giorgia Piccolin (ITA) will compete today in the Men’s and Women’s Singles R16, respectively.
Miu Hirano (JPN) faces off against World No.4 Chen Meng (CHN) in the Women’s Singles R16 at the Infinity ∞ Arena at 14:10. Despite Chen’s dominant head-to-head lead of 8-1, including a recent victory at the ITTF World Cup 2024, Hirano’s sole win in 2017 showcased her potential to surprise.
World No.5 Hina Hayata (JPN) takes on World No.12 Cheng I-Ching (TPE) in another Women’s Singles R16 clash at 15:20. Both players have significant milestones at stake, with Hayata aiming to surpass her previous best of reaching the quarterfinals at a WTT Grand Smash.
A highly anticipated first-time Men’s Singles R16 matchup features Felix Lebrun (FRA) versus Tomokazu Harimoto (JPN) at 19:05. Both young stars are looking to make a mark, with Lebrun entering at a career-high ranking of No.5 and Harimoto back in the top 10, aiming to advance past the R16 for the first time in a WTT Grand Smash.
Credit: WTT Press