PARIS - South Korean table tennis star Shin Yu-bin finished fourth in the women's singles at the Paris Olympics on Saturday, missing out on a second medal after a loss to Japan's Hina Hayata in the bronze medal match.
According to Yonhap News Agency, initially secured a win in the first game against the world's fifth-ranked Hayata but ultimately fell with a score of 4-2 (9-11, 13-11, 12-10, 11-7, 10-12, 11-7) at South Paris Arena 4. This defeat marks Shin's fifth consecutive loss to Hayata and thwarted her bid to become the first South Korean player, male or female, to win a singles medal in table tennis since 2004.
The match was fiercely competitive, with Shin holding a 10-7 lead in the third game, nearly taking a 2-1 lead, before Hayata rallied to win five consecutive points, seizing the game at 12-10 and maintaining her momentum to win the following game. Shin managed to win the fifth game 12-10 but ultimately succumbed in the sixth.
Reflecting on her defeat, 20-year-old Shin acknowledged Hayata's superior play, stating, "I've seen for a long time, and I know how hard she'd worked to get here. I wanted to recognize that." Shin's gracious remarks followed their match, as she congratulated her opponent, admitting the need to enhance her skills and determination.
Shin, who previously won a mixed team bronze earlier in Paris, remains optimistic about her future competitions, including the upcoming women's team event. Despite the loss, Shin expressed satisfaction with her progress since her round of 32 exits at the last Olympics, emphasizing her commitment to improve in every facet of her game.