In a thrilling display of determination and skill, Lin Shidong and Kuai Man of China secured the mixed doubles title at the Asian Table Tennis Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Saturday. The Chinese duo battled from behind to defeat Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) with scores of 9-11, 12-10, 11-9, 15-13, earning China's second title at the continental competition.
Ri and Kim had made a significant impact throughout the tournament by knocking out Japanese favorites Tomokazu Harimoto and Hina Hayata. They also posed a tough challenge to Chinese gold medalists Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics in August, showcasing their rising prowess on the international stage.
In the semifinals in Kazakhstan's capital, the DPRK duo triumphed over Paris 2024 bronze medalists Lim Jong-hoon and Shin Yu-bin of South Korea, setting the stage for a high-stakes final against Lin and Kuai.
The final match was a nail-biter, with Ri and Kim taking an early lead in the first game, advancing to 10-6. Despite the Chinese pair's resilience in narrowing the gap to one point, they ultimately could not shift the momentum and trailed 0-1 after the first game.
The second game saw both sides exchanging leads in a tense back-and-forth. Lin and Kuai managed to tie the score at 10-10 with a fortuitous bounce, then secured consecutive points to level the match at 1-1, reigniting their championship hopes.
Building on their regained momentum, the Chinese duo demonstrated exceptional teamwork and strategic play in the subsequent games, ultimately clinching the title after a hard-fought battle that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
The victory underscores China's prominence in the sport and highlights the competitive spirit prevalent at this year's Asian Table Tennis Championships. Fans around the world eagerly anticipate future clashes between these top-tier athletes as they continue to elevate the game's profile on the global stage.
Reference(s):
China win mixed doubles title at Asian Table Tennis Championships
cgtn.com
