[Paris Olympics] "Reset and Ready" Shin Yubin: "It's Not Over Yet"

'Aiming for the First Finals Ticket' but Blocked by Chinese Tian Meng
"Regrettable but Opponent Played Well"... Targeting Bronze Medal

Korean women's table tennis ace Shin Yu-bin did not lose heart. Although her path to the 2024 Paris Olympics women's singles final was blocked by China's Chen Meng, she showed determination ahead of the bronze medal match.

On the 2nd, after finishing the semifinals at the South Paris Arena in Paris, France, Shin Yu-bin appeared in the mixed zone with a bright smile. She aimed to reach the final as the first Korean female player, but was completely defeated by Chen Meng 0-4 (7-11, 6-11, 7-11, 7-11). Despite not winning a single game, which could have been disappointing, Shin Yu-bin did not show any sign of regret in front of the press.

On the 2nd (local time), at the South Paris Arena in Paris, France, during the women's singles semifinal match of table tennis at the 2024 Paris Olympics, South Korea's Shin Yubin is seen expressing regret after losing to China's Chen Meng.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Shin Yu-bin said, "I think my opponent was very skilled," adding, "There were moments when the match was evenly matched, but since my opponent held strong, I regret missing many easy chances." Chen Meng, who pushed Shin Yu-bin to the bronze medal match, was a dominant player in the mid to late 2010s and the defending champion who won both singles and team gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

The journey of 'Ppiyak-i' Shin Yu-bin is not over. The bronze medal match remains. If she wins this match, Shin Yu-bin will become the first female singles medalist in 20 years since Kim Kyung-ah won bronze at the 2004 Athens Games.

Before the final match, Shin Yu-bin declared, "It's not over yet," showing her resolve. She said, "Since the last match hasn't ended, I will rest well and clear my mind," and vowed, "I will prepare for the match with the mindset of starting anew." She also expressed her fighting spirit, saying, "Even if I am winning, you never know what can happen. I will focus on every single point."

On the 2nd (local time), after the women's singles table tennis semifinal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics held at South Paris Arena in Paris, South Korea's Shin Yubin is shaking hands with China's Chen Meng.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The opponent Shin Yu-bin will face in the bronze medal match is the loser of the semifinal between world No. 1 Sun Yingsha (China) and Hayata Hina (Japan), which takes place on the same day. Currently, it seems more likely to be Hayata. After defeating Hirano Miu in the quarterfinals in a grueling 1 hour and 20 minutes battle, the bronze medal match is expected to be another Korea-Japan showdown.

Regarding Sun Yingsha and Hayata, Shin Yu-bin evaluated, "Both have solid skills and good techniques." About Hayata, who is considered less likely to reach the final, she said, "Everyone knows she is a good player, but if I analyze her weaknesses well and prepare, I can win the match." She emphasized, "I need to be more composed and clear my mind."

On the 2nd (local time), at the South Paris Arena in Paris, France, Shin Yubin of Korea entered the venue for the women's singles semifinal match in table tennis against China's Chen Meng at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The women's singles bronze medal match will be held on the 3rd at 8:30 PM at the same venue.

By reaching the semifinals in this tournament, Shin Yu-bin proved that she has grown into a competitor on the world stage. When asked if she considers herself world-class, she smiled brightly and replied, "Shouldn't I be aiming for the gold medal?"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.