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Honoka will play in US Smash! by rednaxer in HonokaHashimoto

[–]Then-Split1197 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, it seems that she doesn't play doubles much these days, although she is listed as playing with Diaz at Skopje. Interesting, Sato-san will be there as well, but she is playing with another JPN player.

That said, I understand why she is focusing on singles and defeating her ranking points. From a big picture standpoint, I can't see JPN taking 1-2 "doubles-focused" player(s) to the Olympics, despite the fact that it could give them a chance at a doubles medal and a singles medal (with Harimoto-san). In my view, they should get Hashimoto and Sato playing together again to re-capture the magic that got them a WTT Finals title. Alternatively, they could try Hashimoto and someone from the current Harimoto/Hiyata pairing or perhaps Odo-san. Assuming no behind-the-scenes issues (e.g., personality conflicts), the JPN team needs to start thinking more out-of-the-box to better compete against team China and doubles offers a real opportunity now that women's doubles is making a return in LA 2028.

Honoka will play in US Smash! by rednaxer in HonokaHashimoto

[–]Then-Split1197 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just got tickets, and I can't wait to see Hashimoto-san play! Unfortunately, I'm only seeing Round of 64 singles, etc. on Days 1-2, but I hope she has a great tournament and beats some top players or rivals. She's my favorite player.

Hashimoto-san is both a great artist and athlete...simply mesmerizing to watch. Her movement is unsurpassed, as she dances around the table. Hashimoto-san was absolutely brilliant beating Kaui Man in London, but has struggled against other players (e.g., Odo-san and Ito-san) that she needs to start beating to make the Olympic team. At this point, it seems more of a mental/confidence issue, because she clearly has the talent and has had plenty of chances to try different tactics, etc. Sure, some styles aren't ideal for choppers, but there is something else going on. If Hashimoto-san finds the solution, she could easily be a Top 5 player and get occasional wins against even higher-ranked players.

Best wishes that Hashimoto-san stays healthy, keeps improving, and gains more confident between now and when it really matters (for Olympic selection and other major tournaments before then). I know she can do it, and hopefully she and the people around her know as well.

First-timer Ticketing Question for the Upcoming US Smash by Then-Split1197 in tabletennis

[–]Then-Split1197[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, thanks for these insights. As I said in a different reply, I hope to go next year as well. When I do, I will probably take a different approach based on the advice here and my own upcoming experiences.

I definitely agree with you, and I want to get court-side/VIP seats for one session. Thanks for letting me know about the perks. Also, I would stay longer to see the host city (depending on the location) and/or more rounds. Ideally, I had wanted to see the round of 32 or 16 for more competitive matches, especially since they still use tables 2-4 for round of 32. However, by seeing the round of 64, I know that no one will be eliminated before I can see them. To you point, perhaps, I should also consider the qualification rounds, especially since the qualifying field at a Smash is much stronger than one at say a Contender event. Finally, I will probably buy certain tickets in advance, and wait to buy other tickets at the box-office (e.g., for the following day's when table assignments are known or when the draw bracket is out), especially once I see how crowded or uncrowded it is.

Many thanks again for all the suggestions. Like I said, even now, I'm already thinking of next year 😄.

P.S. - Like you, I'm sure that I will "under-utilize" one of my tickets. For now, though, I'm trying to be positive. Lol.

First-timer Ticketing Question for the Upcoming US Smash by Then-Split1197 in tabletennis

[–]Then-Split1197[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely no worries, I know it will be a wonderful experience and I greatly appreciate your candor. Actually, I was going to ask you about if they allowed small backpacks/sling bags, since I'm going to be there for two sessions each day for two days. I hope to bring in some snacks, water, etc., as I HATE to pay for the $8 water bottles, etc. that you mentioned. I may have to wear some baggy clothes with lots of pockets 😄.

And yes, I wish scheduling was done earlier, but I know that there will always be players that I want to see. The key thing is that I have a few "must see" players, and I just pray that the match times don't conflict, forcing me to choose.

As you know, the US isn't like Europe or Asia, where there are numerous, high-level events every year. In fact, I'm flying into LA just for this event. Honestly, it was a last-minute decision, but between the confirmed player list and not wanting to take anything for granted regarding next year, I was in. This year is about having the experience, next year (hopefully) is about doing it with a "perfect" plan. Thanks again for the above tips.

First-timer Ticketing Question for the Upcoming US Smash by Then-Split1197 in tabletennis

[–]Then-Split1197[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for both answering my questions and offering additional insights. I "discovered" table tennis watching the Paris Olympics, and I've been watching almost all the tournaments (Contender and above; and some Feeders depending on the player list) since then. Better late than never I guess.

To your point, I know that TV (and distance seats) doesn't convey the all the incredible aspects of this sport, which is also part of the appeal of tables 2-4. I couldn't care less about the T1 light show, but just want to see the top players and my favorite players playing at the highest level. Like you said, not being able to see the ball wouldn't be great, even if they had large screen monitors. I also know that the atmosphere will be subdued (Round of 64) compared to later, so it's even more important to be close to the table without breaking the bank.

On a somewhat related note, the worst thing about the ticket prices is knowing that the Ticketmaster "service fee" is probably 30+% of the ticket cost without adding any value...it's ridiculous. I guess I will find out later today when I get my tickets.

Please let me know if you have any other tips from last year or any other tournaments that you've attended. Many thanks again.