Chinese duo Lin Shidong and Kuai Man emerged victorious in the mixed doubles final at the World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing on Friday, defeating compatriots Lin Gaoyuan and Wang Yidi 3-1. The pair secured the title with an 11-5, 3-11, 11-5, 11-5 win over their fellow Chinese players.
“We didn’t expect to win this match 3-1,” Lin Shidong shared with reporters after the match. “Perhaps we did better in preparing for the final and changing the pace.”
Kuai Man echoed her partner’s sentiments, stating, “I think, generally, we have been performing well in tournaments. I’m glad that we can bring exciting matches to the fans.”
The success didn’t end there for the host nation, as Chinese paddlers are set to claim the other two doubles trophies at home.
In the men’s doubles semifinals, Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun overcame French siblings Alexis Lebrun and Felix Lebrun in straight sets, 11-3, 11-9, 14-12. They will face Lin Gaoyuan and Lin Shidong in the final, after the latter pair edged out fellow Chinese duo Yuan Licen and Xiang Peng in a thrilling five-game match, winning 9-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5.
The women’s doubles final will feature an all-Chinese showdown between Sun Yingsha and Wang Yidi against Chen Xingtong and Qian Tianyi.
Sun and Wang secured their spot in the final by defeating Cheng I-Ching and Li Yu-Jhun of Chinese Taipei 11-7, 11-7, 11-3. Meanwhile, Chen and Qian dispatched compatriots Chen Yi and Xu Yi with a convincing 11-7, 11-8, 11-5 victory.
“I think this match was smooth,” Wang Yidi commented after their semifinal win. “We were in good control of the rhythm and performed well.”
Qian Tianyi attributed their victory to effective communication on the court. “Our constant communication was the key to our victory,” she said. “We will give our best in the final against our younger compatriots.”
Reference(s):
Lin Shidong, Kuai Man capture mixed doubles title at WTT China Smash
cgtn.com
