In a thrilling showdown at the Asian Table Tennis Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Saturday, China’s Lin Shidong and Kuai Man staged a remarkable comeback to clinch the mixed doubles title. The Chinese duo overcame the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) pair, Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong, with a scoreline of 9-11, 12-10, 11-9, 15-13, securing China’s second gold at the continental competition.
Ri and Kim had been the surprise package of the tournament, making headlines by knocking out Japanese favorites Tomokazu Harimoto and Hina Hayata. The DPRK pair also pushed Chinese gold medalists Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha to the brink during their encounter at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics in August.
In the semifinals, Ri and Kim continued their impressive run by defeating Paris 2024 bronze medalists Lim Jong-hoon and Shin Yu-bin of South Korea, setting the stage for an intense final against the Chinese team.
The championship match began with Ri and Kim asserting their dominance, taking a commanding 10-6 lead in the first game. Despite a spirited effort from Lin and Kuai to narrow the gap to one point, the DPRK pair held on to win the opening game, putting the Chinese duo under early pressure.
The second game saw a fierce exchange of leads, with both sides displaying exceptional skill and determination. Lin and Kuai managed to level the game at 10-10 thanks to a fortunate net bounce, and capitalized on the momentum to secure the next two points, tying the match at one game apiece.
Emboldened by their comeback, Lin and Kuai continued to build on their performance, edging past Ri and Kim in the subsequent games. The match was characterized by rapid rallies and strategic plays, showcasing the high level of competition at the championships.
With the final game extended to 15-13, the Chinese pair demonstrated resilience and composure under pressure, ultimately sealing their victory and adding another accolade to China’s illustrious table tennis legacy.
The triumph of Lin Shidong and Kuai Man not only underscores China’s prowess in the sport but also highlights the rising competitiveness of teams like the DPRK duo, promising an exciting future for table tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
Reference(s):
China win mixed doubles title at Asian Table Tennis Championships
cgtn.com
