Table toppers

Rivals rising

The recent progress made by Japan was in evidence when Mizutani Jun and Mima Ito outmaneuvered Chinese pair Xu Xin and Liu Shiwen in the mixed doubles final on July 26.

The result shocked fans back home and, as the first medal to be decided in the table tennis program in Tokyo, heaped pressure on China's paddlers to bounce back in the remaining events.

Three days later in the women's singles semifinal, Ito was blown away 4-0 by Sun Yingsha to restore Team China's confidence. World No 1 Chen Meng eventually won gold, with Sun claiming silver.

Japan again stood in the way of China's ambitions in the women's team final last Thursday, but Sun prevailed over Ito once more to help her team to a 3-0 victory.

"Ito is a really outstanding player. She's only a few days older than me. We have been competing against each other in all the major international tournaments, and it's always fun to play against her," said the 20-year-old Sun, who made her Olympic debut in Tokyo, after winning the women's team gold.

"Facing her again, I prepared for all eventualities, even though we had played just days before. I tried to anticipate the changes she might make, and I fought point by point."

The matches between Ito and the Chinese players have gripped fans and former players.

"One of Mima Ito's biggest advantages is that it's hard for her rivals to predict her next move. But after watching the women's team final, I feel that Sun has worked out her tactics," said retired Japanese paddler Ai Fukuhara.