Japan's Mima Ito competes during the table tennis women's singles third round match against Portugal's Fu Yu at the 2020 Summer Olympics, on July 27, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Newly-crowned table tennis mixed doubles champion Mima Ito launched her bid for a second medal at the Tokyo Games with a comfortable 4-1 win over Portugal's Yu Fu in the women's singles on Tuesday.

       The petite 20-year-old, who teamed up with veteran Jun Mizutani to give Japan its first-ever Olympic gold medal in the sport after a stirring comeback in the mixed doubles final on Monday, booked her spot in the round of 16 thanks to an 11-9, 5-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-5 win at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

       "After winning the (mixed doubles) gold medal I was able to refocus and get myself prepared for this match. I haven't had a lot of time to rest but I've been able to reset mentally," said Ito.

       Ito, the third seed, plays again later Tuesday against Thailand's Suthasini Sawettabut.

       "I have practiced a lot so physically I am fine and I am confident," said Ito.

       Ito's singles win comes less than 24 hours the Shizuoka native and partner Mizutani stunned Chinese world champions Xu Xin and Liu Shiwen 4-3, having trailed by two games in an absorbing mixed doubles final.

       They became the first champions of the mixed doubles event that was added to the table tennis program for the first time at these games.

       Ito is playing in her second Olympics. She won a team bronze medal at the Rio Games five years ago.

       Font Size S M L Print Timeline 0