Chinese table tennis sensation Sun Yingsha is set to face one of the toughest challenges at the upcoming World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing. According to the draw results released on Friday, the No. 1 seed will begin her campaign against Natalia Bajor of Poland in the women’s singles first round.
Sun finds herself in a formidable section that includes Japanese stars Mima Ito and Miu Hirano, as well as her compatriot and No. 3 seed Wang Yidi. The intense competition promises thrilling matches as these top players vie for supremacy.
In the other half of the women’s singles draw, second-seeded Wang Manyu of China will face wildcard entrant Shi Xunyao in her opening match. Wang Manyu could potentially meet fourth-seeded Chen Xingtong, adding to the excitement of the tournament.
On the men’s side, world No. 1 Wang Chuqin will start his journey against Hiroto Shinozuka of Japan. He is grouped in the same half as Sweden’s No. 11 seed Truls Moregardh, who notably eliminated Wang Chuqin at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Veteran Chinese paddler Ma Long, seeded fifth, will take on Liam Pitchford of England in the first round. Ma shares his section with compatriot No. 5 seed Liang Jingkun. Both are in the same half as second-seeded Hugo Calderano of Brazil, setting the stage for potential high-stakes encounters.
The WTT China Smash competitions are set to commence on Sunday in Beijing, promising a showcase of world-class table tennis talent and fierce competition.
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Home favorite Sun Yingsha to face tough challenge at WTT China Smash
cgtn.com
