Gonzales enters world pingpong QF in London

MANILA, Philippines - Cebu’s Richard Gonzales notched his fourth victory to stay on track for his title drive in the 888sport 2016 World Championship of Ping-Pong at the Alexandra Palace in London.

The country’s top player bested Filip Mlynarski of Poland, 2-0 (15-10, 15-10), then booted out Dmytry Popov of Russia in a three-setter, 15-12, 11-15, 15-7, to reach the Final Eight.

Gonzales will next face hometown favorite Andrew Baggaley, who advanced after easing out Paul McCreery of Nothern Ireland, 15-9, 15-9.

Also moving into the quarters are Andrew Rushton of England, Lubomir Pistej of Slovakia, Maxim Shmyrev of Russia, Gavin Rumgay of Scotland, Christopher Doran of England and Alexander Flemming of Germany.

For reaching the Last 8 phase, Gonzales, a multiple medalist in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, assured himself of $3,000 with a win over Baggaley guaranteeing him of at least $5,000.

The champion of the three-day tournament that offers a total of $100,000 will get $20,000, while the runner-up will receive $10,000.

Gonzales took the bronze for his best finish in 2014.