China’s Fan Siqi secured her place in the main women's singles draw of the ITTF Pyongyang Open after beating home favourite Un Ju Jong in six games today ©Chinese Table Tennis Association

China’s Fan Siqi secured her place in the main women's singles draw of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Pyongyang Open after beating home favourite Un Ju Jong in six games today. 

Fan triumphed 11-8, 6-11, 11-9, 10-12, 11-5, 11-9 against her North Korean opponent to take second spot in qualifying group four.

She will now go on to face Ri Mi Gyong, also of North Korea, tomorrow as she looks to progress further in the competition.

Despite suffering defeat, Jong can look forward to an encounter with compatriot Cha Hyo Sim.

China’s Liu Weishan ensured first place in the group with a hard-fought 11-13, 12-10, 7-11, 11-9, 12-10, 5-11, 7-11 win over North Korea’s Kim Jin Hyang.

In the men's singles qualifying group five, Ri Kyong Hun beat Kim Song Gun 11-7, 12-10, 12-10, 11-8 in an all-North Korean clash.

Both join fellow group member Yang Shuo of China in progressing to the main draw with each player having a win and a defeat to their name.

Yang is due to face North Korea’s Kim Hyong Jin tomorrow, while Ri meets China’s Zhao Zhaoyan and Kim goes up against countryman Choe Il.