The upsets continue at Singapore Smash 2024, with another seeded player falling victim in the Women’s Singles draw. This time, it’s No. 10 seed Bernadette Szocs who finds herself on the wrong end of a surprise result.

Szocs, who has struggled in the opening rounds at Singapore Smash in previous years, finally managed to grab the first game against Suthasini Sawettabut. However, the Thai player, a fan favorite known for her impressive runs at the tournament (reaching the round of 16 in both 2022 and 2023), refused to back down. Sawettabut dug deep and clawed her way back into the match, winning the next three games in a thrilling display of resilience (6-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-6). This victory marks another feather in Sawettabut’s cap, solidifying her reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the Singapore Smash stage.

While some established names are falling by the wayside, a new generation of stars is starting to shine. Fifteen-year-old Miwa Harimoto, making her debut at the Singapore Smash, showcased her immense talent with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over WTT Feeder Manchester champion Lily Zhang (11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 11-7). Harimoto, a player with the world at her feet, will now face Chen Szu-Yu in the round of 32. Despite facing some challenges early on, Harimoto revealed that her pre-match choice of entrance music (“One Spark” by Twice) and the enthusiastic crowd support helped her stay focused and ultimately secure the win.

Suthasini Sawettabut looks unstoppable

With these opening matches setting the tone for an exciting tournament, all eyes will be on whether Sawettabut can continue her impressive streak and whether Harimoto can live up to the high expectations surrounding her. Singapore Smash 2024 promises to be a captivating blend of established stars and rising talents, making for a truly unforgettable competition.