Japan's women scored a comfortable 3-0 win over Taiwan to storm into the semifinals of the table tennis team event at the Tokyo Olympics on Monday, completing a triumphant day for the host nation's paddlers.
Mima Ito, Kasumi Ishikawa and Miu Hirano combined to beat Cheng Hsien-tzu, Chen Szu-yu and Cheng I-ching, booking their spot in the last four after the men's team had crushed Australia 3-0 earlier in the day in the round of 16 at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.
Ishikawa and Olympic debutant Hirano eased past Cheng Hsien-tzu and Chen 11-8, 11-6, 11-5 in the doubles and singles bronze medalist Ito had little trouble in taking out Cheng I-ching 11-2, 11-9, 11-8 to extend Japan's lead.
"We got off to a good start and it is really pleasing to win 3-0," said Ishikawa. "We practiced a lot and Miu and I communicated well."
Ito said, "I have played Cheng (I-ching) many times before and beating her 3-0 has really boosted my confidence."
Hirano wrapped up victory against Chen, prevailing 11-9, 7-11, 11-4, 11-4.
"I knew how important the Taiwan game would be after the draw was made. It's great to win and hopefully I can keep going tomorrow," said Hirano.
Japan on Tuesday face Hong Kong, who advanced to the semifinals with a 3-1 win against Romania.
In the morning session, Mizutani and Niwa defeated Hu Heming and Yan Xin 11-7, 11-3, 11-8 in the men's doubles and Harimoto and Mizutani then won their respective singles matches to send Japan into the quarterfinals.
Harimoto, who made a surprise early exit in men's singles last week, beat David Powell 11-4, 11-9, 11-7 and mixed doubles champion Mizutani completed the rout with an 11-4, 11-1, 11-9 demolition of Yan.
"We won every match in straight games so it was a really good start for us," said Mizutani, 32, who made history last week as he and Mima Ito gave Japan its first-ever Olympic table tennis gold in the mixed doubles.
"I want to savor each and every point (in the team event). Hopefully, we can stick together and knock out our next opponents."
Harimoto, the world No. 4, said he hopes to make amends in the team event after losing on his Olympic debut in the round of 16 to Slovenia's Darko Jorgic.
"I want to produce the form I was unable to show in the singles," said the 18-year-old. "It's going to get harder in the next round and hopefully we can raise our game."
Japan will play Sweden, 3-1 winner over the United States, in the last eight on Tuesday.
