In a thrilling display of table tennis prowess, five Chinese players have secured their spots in the men’s singles quarterfinals at the World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing after defeating their opponents on Thursday.
No. 6 seed Lin Shidong faced a formidable challenge against Anton Kallberg of Sweden. The match was intensely competitive, stretching to five games. Lin emerged victorious by taking the first and third games 11-8, while Kallberg claimed the second and fourth games 11-2 and 11-7 respectively. In the decisive fifth game, Lin sealed the win with another 11-8 triumph. He is set to face Denmark’s Anders Lind in the next round, who previously upset World No. 1 Wang Chuqin on Tuesday.
Wildcard entrant Xiang Peng continued his impressive run in the tournament, joining his compatriots in the quarterfinals. Seventh seed Lin Gaoyuan showcased his experience and skill to advance, while third seed Liang Jingkun and fifth seed Ma Long, a seasoned veteran and multiple-time world champion, also secured their places with commanding performances.
The advancement of these homegrown talents has energized the local fans, who are eagerly anticipating the upcoming quarterfinal matches. With strong contenders showcasing top-tier skills, the stage is set for an exciting continuation of the WTT China Smash in Beijing.
Reference(s):
Five home players reach men's singles quarterfinals at WTT China Smash
cgtn.com
