WTT Hong Kong Finals Report: Three Semifinalists from China, Tomokazu Harimoto Edges Lebrun 4-3 to Face Chinese National Team

On December 13th Beijing time, the WTT Hong Kong Finals heated up. In the latest highlight match, Tomokazu Harimoto and Lebrun battled fiercely for a semifinal spot. After an intense seven-game duel, Harimoto staged a 4-3 comeback to narrowly defeat Lebrun and advance to the semifinals. This means three semifinal places have been secured by this tournament’s players: Wang Chuqin, Moregard, and Harimoto, with the final semifinal spot confirmed for the Chinese national team!

Tomokazu Harimoto faced off against Lebrun. Both players are top foreign association talents and strong rivals to the Chinese national team. They are closely ranked fifth and sixth respectively. Harimoto also claimed the Yokohama title this season. Historically, Lebrun has been a tough obstacle for Harimoto, having defeated him multiple times. In this rematch, Harimoto was eager to avenge those losses, making in-the-moment performance crucial for the suspense!

From the start, the two clashed intensely. Harimoto kept pace with Lebrun, and at critical points, Lebrun seized the opportunity to take the first game 14-12. In the second game, Harimoto surged late to win 11-8. The third saw Lebrun quickly push to a 10-5 lead but then collapse as Harimoto won seven consecutive points to claim a 12-10 comeback and lead 2-1. Lebrun faltered in the fourth with shaky nerves and errors, while Harimoto dominated 11-3 to reach match point at 3-1. Lebrun regrouped in the fifth and sixth games, patiently trading points and then decisively scoring to win 11-8 and 11-7, tying it 3-3 and forcing a final game. In the seventh game, both players fought smartly and fiercely until the last moment. Ultimately, Harimoto’s superior skill secured an 11-9 victory, completing a 4-3 comeback to avenge his five-match losing streak against Lebrun!

With this result, three of the four men’s singles semifinal spots in this tournament are decided. The last spot will be determined by an internal Chinese national team battle, ensuring China claims it. The semifinal matchups are nearly set: Wang Chuqin will face Moregard, the Olympic silver medalist who previously defeated him, while Harimoto will challenge another Chinese player. Fans look forward to thrilling encounters ahead!

Written by/Titan Sports Fiction