INCHEON, South Korea -- Fifteen-year-old Tomokazu Harimoto on Sunday became the youngest champion in men's singles at the World Tour Grand Finals.
Harimoto, ranked No. 5 in the world, beat No. 4 Lin Gaoyuan of China 4-1 in Incheon, South Korea. Lin had beaten Rio Olympics bronze medalist Jun Mizutani in the semifinals.
"I think I value this victory just as much as one at the Tokyo Olympics," Harimoto said, adding that he's so happy he "can't express my feeling."
It was a comprehensive victory. Harimoto easily won the rally-filled first game 11-4, preventing Lin from getting any advantage. Taking the important first game gave Harimoto momentum.
"In this past year, I've had some ups and downs, but I wish to continue playing games like this over a whole year," Harimoto said.
The world's top table tennis players gathered at the year-end event, with a couple of other Japanese players shining on the final day. In the women's doubles final, Mima Ito and Hina Hayata defeated Chinese pair Chen Xingtong and Sun Yingsha 3-0 to capture the championship.
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