The 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) Finals continued on Friday in Fukuoka, Japan, with Chinese players showcasing exceptional skill as they advanced to the semifinals in both the men’s and women’s singles events. However, the day was bittersweet for China’s delegation as the women’s doubles duo Qian Tianyi and Chen Xingtong faced elimination.
In the men’s singles quarterfinals, defending champion Wang Chuqin faced off against Sweden’s Truls Moregard in a highly anticipated matchup. Wang started strong, taking the first game 11-6. In the second game, Moregard regained his footing, surging to an 8-2 lead. Wang rallied to close the gap to 10-9, prompting Moregard to call a timeout. The Swedish player returned to secure the final point, leveling the match.
Wang responded by maintaining his composure and taking the next two games 11-6 and 11-9, sealing a 3-1 victory to book his spot in the semifinals. “I approached this match as a challenger,” Wang said. “You could see that he has made significant progress and is in excellent form, so I had to give my all for every point.”
Looking ahead, Wang will face Slovenia’s Darko Jorgic, who defeated Germany’s Benedikt Duda 3-0 in his quarterfinal match.
The performances in Fukuoka highlight China’s continued prominence in the world of table tennis, setting the stage for thrilling semifinals as the tournament progresses. Despite the setback in the women’s doubles, the Chinese team remains optimistic and focused on the upcoming challenges.
Reference(s):
Five Chinese table tennis players reach WTT Finals singles semifinals
cgtn.com
