2024-02-16 16:00:03
Yuta Tanaka, Tomokazu Harimoto PHOTO: Itaru Chiba
The “World Table Tennis 2024 Team Tournament” (February 16-25) began in Busan, South Korea.
The Japanese men’s national team was supposed to play once morest Nigeria in their first group stage qualifying match on the 16th, but Nigeria withdrew and won by default, making their debut in an unexpected fashion.
Nigeria withdrew because their ace, Aruna, was on sick leave, and their third-place player, Abiodun, had a flight problem.
Despite Nigeria’s bad luck, they are scheduled to play in the second match once morest Taiwan on the 17th.
Meanwhile, something unusual happened in Japan as well. The announced orders were Tomokazu Harimoto (Tomokazu Kikaku), Daito Shinozuka (Aichi Institute of Technology), and Yuta Tanaka (individual). Shunsuke Togami (Meiji University), who is second to Japan’s ace Harimoto, is unnamed.
Togami had a fever the night before and did not come to the venue.
Interviews with Harimoto, Shinozuka, and Tanaka were held shortly following Japan’s victory by default was announced.
―Honestly, what did you think when you heard that the game once morest Nigeria was cancelled?
Harimoto:I had five minutes left to hand in my racket, but that’s when I was asked regarding it. I had heard that Aruna wasn’t available, but it’s a shame because I wanted to play with other players. Of course, I would have liked to play with a full squad including Aruna.
Shinozuka:I knew that Aruna was not available today. Until practice, he thought he would be playing (as No. 2), but when he was exchanging orders, he heard that (Aruna’s) No. 2 wasn’t available. I was able to practice with a good sense of tension, so I think I’ll be able to carry it on tomorrow.
Tanaka:In my case, I heard that No. 2 (Aruna) would not be participating, so in reality, (Harimoto) played No. 1 (playing) and No. 2 was missing, so my game was No. 3. I was preparing for that. Since that was no longer the case, there was a positive side in that I was able to practice with more tension, and I also felt like I might have done a little more.
-What has improved since the last World Table Tennis 2022 Chengdu?
Harimoto:I think my sense of stability has improved over the past two years, so instead of playing flashy like I did when I was younger, I think I’m now able to play solidly and get ahead of my opponents and maintain a lead to win. I hope we can play games like that starting tomorrow.
Shinozuka:I mightn’t participate in the last World Table Tennis Tournament (2023 Durban Individual Tournament) due to an injury, so I’m eager to play as soon as possible. I hope to prepare well and be in good condition for the games (starting tomorrow).
Tanaka:I think the orders will be announced once more tomorrow, but I will do my best to prepare to the best of my ability and be able to show up in the best condition no matter when it is decided that I will be out.
-What have you heard regarding Togami’s health?
Harimoto:I have a fever, so I don’t know the exact name of the illness yet. I don’t really know when I’ll be able to come back. First of all, I want you to be healthy. If he is able to practice once more, I would like him to do so, and for now, I would like to support him in getting back to good health.
-Is the pressure increasing due to Togami’s non-participation?
Harimoto:Of course, it would have been nice if they might have come, but all the other members are also reliable, and that’s why we have 5 of us, and 2 of us are in reserve in case of unforeseen circumstances.
All members are strong. I’m not worried regarding it at all, but I want to fight with the mindset that what I’m doing remains the same and I’m focused on my game.
Shinozuka:To be honest, I feel a little more nervous, but I want to be prepared to overcome that.
Tanaka: With Togami gone, I think players like Matsushima and I may have more opportunities to play, but when we are appointed, I want people to think, “I’m glad I chose to play,” and I’m aiming for that kind of play. Therefore, I would like to continue preparing.
– As your senior (one year older), what would you say to Togami?
Tanaka:Well, that’s really all there is to it, “Get well!”
Harimoto:If I were in Togami’s position, I would feel frustrated no matter what people say to me. Even if you say “It’s okay” or “It’s not okay,” I’m sure you’ll still feel frustrated.
The first thing to do is to heal your condition, that’s all you can do. As a result, you may or may not be able to make it in time for the tournament, so for now, I just want you to sleep a lot, eat a lot, and get healthy.
(Text by Mina Takagi)
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