BEIJING – The WTT China Smash kicked off with a strong start for Chinese athletes as six homegrown players advanced through the women’s singles first round on Sunday, showcasing China’s dominance in table tennis on home soil.
World No.1 seed Sun Yingsha led the charge, sweeping Poland’s Natalia Bajor with a decisive 11-7, 11-1, 11-8 victory. “I hadn’t played Bajor before, but I communicated with my coach a lot in preparation for this match,” Sun shared after her win. “I think her touch and rhythm of playing are both good.”
Sun will face compatriot Kuai Man in the next round, who secured her spot by defeating Romania’s Elizabeta Samara 11-7, 11-7, 13-11.
In a thrilling all-Chinese showdown, Liu Weishan edged out Qian Tianyi in a five-set battle, winning 11-9, 11-7, 10-12, 5-11, 14-12. Liu is set to compete against Chen Szu-Yu of Chinese Taipei in the second round.
Another notable upset came as Fan Shiqi overcame third seed Wang Yidi in a tightly contested match, finishing 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 7-11, 11-7.
Qualifier Wang Xiaotong made an impressive comeback to defeat South Korea’s Joo Cheo-hui 7-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-2. Wang will next face Austria’s No.11 seed Sofia Polcanova.
Wildcard entry He Zhuojia stunned the competition by defeating No.5 seed Miwa Harimoto 11-9, 11-2, 11-2. She revealed that advice from Sun Yingsha contributed to her success against Harimoto.
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Six home players win in women's singles first round at WTT China Smash
cgtn.com
