by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Now the question is posed as to whether Xu Xin will be present for his match against Japan’s Tomokazu Hariomoto and will Fan Zhendong face Korea’s Kim Dongyhun later in the day.

The answer has come fast; Fan Zhendong did not present himself for the contest against the Korean. Kim Donghyun has been afforded a walk-over.

Likewise, Xu Xin followed suit. He failed to present himself for his second round match against Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto; likewise there was no option but to award a walk-over.

Currently on Weibo it has been reported that members of the Chinese Men’s Team and coaches have posted words to the effect: “we have no desire to fight……all because we miss you Liu Guoliang!”

However this is not official, an official statement from the Chinese Table Tennis Association is awaited.

Further developments will be advised when known.