The first time could have been a fluke. Only ten days ago, Japan's 20-year-old Shunsuke Togami (pictured, left) and Hina Hayata (right) joined forces in Qatar to win the WTT Star Contender Doha 2021 mixed doubles title. Hayata, whose age matches her world ranking (21), has a lethal lefty forehand which meshes synergistically with Togami's right-handed approach. Together, they overcame Hong Kong's Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem in the semis before dispatching Jang Woojin and Jeon Jihee of South Korea in the final. Hayata went on to claim the women's singles crown for good measure. Now, Doha again plays host to a major international tournament, currently playing host to the 2021 ITTF-ATTU Asian Championships. Sticking to their winning formula, the fourth-seeded Hayata and Togami again entered the mixed doubles sweepstakes. This time around, they overcame the same two teams at the same stages to claim the continental championship: #1 seeds Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem in the semis, and second-seeded Jang Woojin and Jeon Jihee at the final hurdle. Apparently finding some degree of satisfaction in the familiarity of her routine, the sixth-seeded Hayata took another page out of her own book and won the women's singles championship. Facing fellow surprise finalist Shin Yubin of South Korea, the 17th seed, Hayata posted an efficient 3-1 win for her second major singles title in less than two weeks. While Hayata did not enter the women's doubles, her partner in crime Togami has already another gold in the men's doubles. Partnered with countryman Yukia Uda, Togami once again overcame Jang Woojin (this time paired with South Korean teammate Lim Jonghoon) for a doubles title. Togami also has a chance to claim a major title all for himself. Seeded 17th, the world #104 Togami stunned world #20 Wong Chun Ting of Hong Kong in the latter's first and last match. Three wins later and Togami must upset world #22 Lee Sangsu of South Korea in the semis to earn his title shot. While one could dismiss September's success as an anomaly, the multiple medals claimed by Hina Hayata and Shunsuke Togami at the Asian Championships announce major new rising stars from the Land of the Rising Sun.

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