Hirano retains Top 12 crown, Fukuhara ousted in semis

Hirano retains Top 12 crown, Fukuhara ousted in semis

TOKYO, Japan - National champion Sayaka Hirano in action during the final against Reiko Hiura at the Top 12 table tennis tournament in Tokyo on Feb. 9. Hirano beat Hiura 4-0 to defend her women's singles title. Popular teenager Ai Fukuhara, losing finalist the past three years, was knocked out by Hiura 4-0 in the semifinals.

Fujii, Wakamiya win women's doubles title

Fujii, Wakamiya win women's doubles title

TOKYO, Japan - Hiroko Fujii returns the ball as her partner Misako Wakamiya looks on during the women's doubles final against Sayaka Hirano and Reiko Hiura at the national table tennis championships at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Jan. 17, 2010. Fujii and Wakamiya won the title.

Table tennis: Fukuhara crashes out again at nationals

Table tennis: Fukuhara crashes out again at nationals

TOKYO, Japan - Ai Fukuhara looks dejected after losing in the sixth round of the women's singles at the national table tennis championships in Tokyo on Jan. 19. The popular teen, who has already booked her spot for this summer's Beijing Olympics, lost in full sets to 2007 quarterfinalist Reiko Hiura at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Fukuhara has not won a national title in nine appearances.

Table tennis: Fukuhara crashes out again at nationals

Table tennis: Fukuhara crashes out again at nationals

TOKYO, Japan - Ai Fukuhara looks dejected after losing in the sixth round of the women's singles at the national table tennis championships in Tokyo on Jan. 19. The popular teen, who has already booked her spot for this summer's Beijing Olympics, lost in full sets to 2007 quarterfinalist Reiko Hiura at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Fukuhara has not won a national title in nine appearances. (Kyodo)

Hirano retains Top 12 crown, Fukuhara ousted in semis

Hirano retains Top 12 crown, Fukuhara ousted in semis

TOKYO, Japan - National champion Sayaka Hirano in action during the final against Reiko Hiura at the Top 12 table tennis tournament in Tokyo on Feb. 9. Hirano beat Hiura 4-0 to defend her women's singles title. Popular teenager Ai Fukuhara, losing finalist the past three years, was knocked out by Hiura 4-0 in the semifinals. (Kyodo)

Fujii, Wakamiya win women's doubles title

Fujii, Wakamiya win women's doubles title

TOKYO, Japan - Hiroko Fujii returns the ball as her partner Misako Wakamiya looks on during the women's doubles final against Sayaka Hirano and Reiko Hiura at the national table tennis championships at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Jan. 17, 2010. Fujii and Wakamiya won the title. (Kyodo)