Harimoto stages stunning comeback to reach WTT Grand Smash final

Tomokazu Harimoto achieved an incredible comeback in the WTT Grand Smash men's singles semifinals, overcoming a significant deficit to defeat his Japanese teammate Kaito Matsushima. The world No. 4 player battled back from being down 0-7 in the sixth game to win it 11-8, ultimately securing a 4-3 victory.

This dramatic turnaround propels Harimoto into his second consecutive major final. He previously won the Yokohama Champions match and will now compete for the title against France's Félix Lebrun. The match was a closely contested affair, with both players trading games. Matsushima, the world No. 3 and current Japanese No. 1, had been on a nine-match winning streak since the US Grand Smash.

Harimoto's path to the final was arduous. After splitting the first four games, Matsushima took a crucial fifth game 11-9. In the sixth game, Matsushima surged to a commanding 7-0 lead, appearing poised to close out the match. However, Harimoto mounted an extraordinary rally, capitalizing on Matsushima's errors and executing precise shots to level the match. In the deciding seventh game, Harimoto continued his momentum, quickly establishing a lead and ultimately winning 11-6 to secure his sixth consecutive international win against Matsushima.

In the other semifinal, Félix Lebrun of France, ranked world No. 5, defeated Slovenia's Darko Jorgic in a swift 4-0 victory. Lebrun, who is also seeking his second Grand Smash final appearance, dominated his opponent in just 21 minutes, setting up a highly anticipated final against Harimoto.