Montpellier: China’s Wang Yidi endured another big test at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Champions Montpellier, dispatching Miwa Harimoto of Japan in seven games to reach the women’s singles semifinals.

According to Namibia Press Agency, it was the second consecutive full-game battle in the French city for third-seeded Wang, who eliminated Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi in five games in the round of 16. Wang got off to a quick start, moving one game away from victory by triumphing 11-6, 12-10, and 11-9. However, fifth seed Harimoto displayed resilience from there, prevailing 11-6, 11-8, 11-7 to force a decider, where Wang won 11-6 to progress.

“When leading 3-0 in games, I didn’t execute well on some shots in the next three games. Miwa played aggressively while I was too cautious, letting these games slip away,” Wang said after the win. “After some rallies early in the decider, I held firm and improved my game to secure the win.”

Wang will next meet South Korea’s Joo Cheon-hui, who also edged Honoka Hashimoto of Japan in seven games. Wang’s compatriot Chen Yi failed to advance, falling to South Korean Shin Yu-bin in six games. Shin will contend for a final spot with Germany’s Sabine Winter, who rallied from three games down to overcome Doo Hoi Kem of Hong Kong, China.

The men’s singles semifinals on Sunday pit home favorite Alexis Lebrun against Swedish ace Truls Moregard, and South Korea’s Jang Woo-jin against Sora Matsushima of Japan. The men’s and women’s finals are also scheduled on Sunday.