Japan 3-0 Germany
Japan’s unbeaten run at the tournament continued as they defeated Germany, with Harimoto Miwa getting things underway despite an early scare. The 17-year-old dropped the opening game against Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Han Ying – the first game she’d conceded in London – but regrouped following a crucial time-out while trailing in the second, turning the match around to win 5-11, 12-10, 11-3, 11-8 and put Japan 1-0 up.
The second match proved decisive as Hayata Hina fought back from two games down to defeat Germany’s Sabine Winter in dramatic fashion.
Winter, ranked world No.9, appeared in control after taking the opening two games, but Hayata responded with an aggressive and composed display to complete a 10-12, 6-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-6 comeback victory.
“We knew it was going to be a tough match against Germany, and it was especially difficult for both Harimoto and me,” Hayata told Olympics.com.
“Winter was really in good form, but I was able to stay calm and adapt the way I needed to play against her. It was a match that either side could have won, but I focused on myself. That was the key to the win.”