Flying start for Chinese table tennis in Rio 2016, top Japanese girl ousted

Kim Song I of DPR Korea watches the ball as Kasumi Ishikawa of Japan serves during their table tennis women's singles match at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug 7, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

The biggest upset came up in the evening when women's singles fourth seed Ishikawa lost in full sets to DPR Korea's chopper Kim Song I.

It took 64 minutes of the world No 50 Kim to wrap up the match 7-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8.

With two sets up in the beginning of the third round match, Ishikawa, 23, lost two sets in a row before drawn into the decisive seventh set which she was beaten 11-8 in 10 minutes.

"My opponent is just strong and I failed to cope well with her playing style," said the tearing Japanese, whose leg cramped while leading 7-4 in the decider.

Also on Sunday, Singapore's Gao Ning, seeded the 26th, lost to Paul Drinkhall of Britain 4-1 in the afternoon.

Kasumi Ishikawa of Japan kneels to feel her right leg after sustaining an injury during play against Kim Song I of DPR Korea during their table tennis women's singles match at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug 7, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]