Chinese table tennis players are on the brink of sweeping all five titles at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Singapore Smash, having secured victories in the men’s doubles and women’s doubles events and setting up all-Chinese finals in the singles competitions.
In a thrilling men’s doubles final on Saturday, Ma Long and Lin Gaoyuan clinched the title with a nail-biting 3-2 victory over former champions Fan Zhendong and Wang Chuqin. Ma and Lin took an early lead, but Fan and Wang rallied to take the first game 11-6. The match intensified as both pairs exchanged wins, leading to a decisive tiebreaker. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Ma and Lin saved two match points before emerging victorious with a 14-12 win in the final game.
“I am very happy to win here,” said Ma Long. “This is the first time that Lin and I have won the title as a pair, and also my first title in WTT events.”
Lin Gaoyuan added, “I’m delighted to see us reach a higher level through these matches.”
In the women’s doubles final, Chen Meng and Wang Manyu dominated the competition, defeating Li Yu-jhun and Cheng I-ching of Chinese Taipei in straight games, 11-5, 11-6, 11-5.
Earlier in the tournament, China’s top-ranked mixed doubles pair, Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, secured their third consecutive title, further showcasing China’s dominance in the sport.
The final day of competition promises excitement as all-Chinese singles finals are set. Liang Jingkun will face Wang Chuqin in the men’s final, while Wang Yidi will compete against Wang Manyu for the women’s title.
Reference(s):
Chinese paddlers set to sweep all five titles at WTT Singapore Smash
cgtn.com
