Shandong Luneng and Shandong Weiqiao triumphed in the women’s and men’s team events respectively at the China Table Tennis Super League on Wednesday, marking a sensational sweep for the Shandong clubs.
Thrilling Women’s Final
In a nail-biting women’s team final, Shandong Luneng edged out Shenzhen University 3-2. Despite Olympic champion Sun Yingsha’s two victories for Shenzhen, Shandong Luneng’s Chen Xingtong and Qian Tianyi rose to the occasion. Chen was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the singles event, while Qian earned the MVP title in the doubles.
The match began with Chen and Qian overcoming an initial setback to defeat Qin Yuxuan and Kuai Man 5-11, 11-7, 11-5, 13-11. Sun Yingsha then leveled the score for Shenzhen by defeating her Olympic teammate Wang Manyu in a full-game thriller.
Chen Xingtong put Shandong ahead again by outplaying Kuai Man 11-8, 11-5, 7-11, 11-7. However, Sun Yingsha kept Shenzhen’s hopes alive with another close win over Qian Tianyi. The final decider saw Wang Manyu prevail over Qin Yuxuan 11-7 in the fifth game, sealing the victory for Shandong Luneng.
“Both teams went all out,” said Wang Manyu after the match. “I’m worthy of recognition for winning the deciding match.”
Sun Yingsha, despite her team’s loss, praised the efforts of all players. “Everyone did her best. Even though Qin came up short in the fifth set, she displayed the vitality of a young player,” she remarked.
Men’s Team Success
In the men’s team event, Shandong Weiqiao emerged victorious, adding to the province’s celebrations. Their performance showcased the depth of talent within Shandong’s table tennis ranks.
Shandong’s Dominance in Table Tennis
The victories highlight the strength of Shandong’s table tennis programs and their significant presence in China’s competitive sports landscape. Fans across the region celebrated the dual triumphs, marking a memorable day for Shandong sports.
Looking Ahead
As the China Table Tennis Super League concludes, players and teams will look forward to upcoming national and international competitions, aiming to build on their successes and continue to delight fans with high-level performances.
Reference(s):
Shandong clubs sweep titles in China Table Tennis Super League
cgtn.com
