(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT)
Ma Long joins the list of top players taking an early exit, as he fell this afternoon to Jang Woojin on Day 3 of the WTT’s Saudi Smash. Ma Long lost the opening game 13-11 and never recovered, falling behind early in the second game and only totaling 6 and then playing from behind again in the third (and final) game. Jang Woojin joins Cho Daeseong as upset victors as Korea sends two into the Round of 16 (with two other players still in the mix as An Jaehyun will face Fan Zhendong and Lim Jonghoon will face Harimoto later today). Neither Jaehyun or Jonghoon will be favored – but that has stopped the other Koreans – all of whom seem to be peaking at the perfect time ahead of the looming Olympic Games this Summer.
Iran’s Noshad Alamiyan came from behind earlier today to upset Liang Jingkun in the first Men’s Singles match of the day – and the biggest upset of the day. A few hours later, Denmark’s Jonathan Groth equaled the result with a win over Lin Gaoyuan. Groth came out on fire, winning the first two games, dropping the third 12-14, and then closing the door in the fourth with a 13-11 win. Japan’s Hiroto pulled off the 3-1 upset over Dimitrij Ovtcharov, to add to day of surprises in Saudi Arabia.
On the Men’s side, Wang Chuqin, Lin Shidong, Quadri Aruna, Cho Daeseong, Darko Jorgic, and Hugo Calderano have all advanced as well. However, there are 6 more matches scheduled today, so perhaps more surprises are in store.
This year’s Saudi Smash has 2 million dollars in prize money, and the winners will get 2000 ranking points. Nealy every top player in the world is competing – with the men having 47 of the World Top 50, and the women’s draw with 44 of the World’s Top 50.
Lots of action is on tap for this week with the Finals scheduled for next Saturday.
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