Yoshiyama advances to main draw

Qualifying has officially ended at WTT Star Contender London 2025, and Ryoichi Yoshiyama delivered another clinical performance to book his spot in the men’s singles main draw, following a spotless 11-8, 11-4, 11-8 victory over seasoned competitor Lubomir Pistej.

With a bye in Round 1, Yoshiyama’s qualifying campaign began against English wildcard Joseph Hunter, with the former powering through in four games 8-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-3.

Now only Pistej stood between Yoshiyama and the Round of 64, as the pair met for the first time at Copper Box Arena.

The 41-year-old put up a brave show against the Japanese ace, Pistej leading play at several points throughout the first and third games. But Yoshiyama would always manage to fight back, winning three games on the trot to seal his spot in the next stage, where he will meet English hopeful Paul Drinkhall.

Also finding his way through qualifying was Lam Siu Hang, as he dispatched Rafael De Las Heras in a four-game thriller 12-14, 15-13, 11-9, 11-8.

With De Las Heras having overcome qualifying seed Borgar Haug 11-7, 11-8, 7-11, 11-7 and home favourite David Mcbeath 11-9, 5-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7 in the two previous rounds, Lam knew he would be in for a tough fight against the Spaniard.

It was a nail-biter to the very end, but it was the Hong Kong, China competitor who would emerge victorious, with Lam set to continue his singles journey in London.

Elsewhere, it was heartbreak for home favourite Ella Pashley in the women’s singles, as the 17-year-old was denied access to the Round of 64 after a tough defeat to Zhang Xiangyu on Wednesday evening 11-3, 11-7, 11-2.

Pashley had impressed throughout qualifying, taking straight game victories against wildcard Mille Stoffregen 11-9, 11-5, 11-3 and World No.116 Fatimo Bello 11-6, 14-12, 12-10 in her prior battles.

But defeating Zhang proved a step too far for the 17-year-old, with Zhang triumphing in three games to fight another day at Copper Box Arena.