In an exhilarating semifinal match held in Shanghai on Monday, Shenzhen University overcame a formidable Shanghai Longteng team, securing a 3-1 victory to book their place in the Chinese Table Tennis Super League women’s team final against Shandong Luneng.
Despite entering the semifinals as top championship contenders, Shenzhen faced an early setback in the opening doubles match. The Shanghai duo of Liu Weishan and Chen Yi displayed remarkable resilience, defeating Shenzhen’s Kuai Man and Qin Yuxuan in a gripping four-game encounter. Kuai and Qin started strong with an 11-7 win but succumbed as Liu and Chen claimed the next three games, turning the tide with scores of 11-4, 11-8, and 12-10, giving Shanghai an early 1-0 lead.
Shenzhen’s response was swift. World champion Sun Yingsha stepped up in the second contest against He Zhuojia. Although Sun dropped the first game 12-10, she showcased her champion spirit by dominating the subsequent games 11-5, 11-5, and 13-11, securing a 3-1 victory and leveling the overall score.
The third match saw an intense battle between Kuai Man and Chen Yi. Kuai’s aggressive offense earned her the first two games 11-6 and 11-9. However, Chen fought back, claiming the next two games 11-6 and 11-6 to force a decisive fifth game. Demonstrating nerves of steel, Kuai clinched the final game 11-8, propelling Shenzhen ahead with a 2-1 overall advantage.
Returning to the table for the fourth match, Sun Yingsha faced Liu Weishan in a nail-biting contest where every game was decided by a mere two points. Sun’s unwavering focus led her to victory with scores of 11-9, 12-10, and 13-11, sealing Shenzhen’s triumph and their place in the final.
Shenzhen University will now face Shandong Luneng in what promises to be an electrifying final of the Chinese Table Tennis Super League. Fans worldwide await this clash of titans, eager to witness high-caliber table tennis action.
Reference(s):
Shandong to face Shenzhen in Chinese Table Tennis Super League final
cgtn.com
