China's rising table tennis star Kuai Man delivered a masterclass in resilience at the WTT Champions Incheon, overcoming a fierce challenge from India's Sreeja Akula in a 3-2 thriller. After dropping the first and third games, Kuai unleashed her signature precision in the fourth game with a commanding 9-0 run, then dominated the decider 11-2 to secure her place in the last 16.
The women's singles clash saw both athletes push technical boundaries, with Akula's aggressive forehands initially disrupting Kuai's rhythm. 'This match tested my ability to adapt under pressure,' Kuai later told reporters, acknowledging the intensity of the contest.
Meanwhile in men's action, China's Xiang Peng silenced the South Korean crowd by defeating local favorite Jang Woo-jin 3-1. The world No. 23 showcased tactical versatility, overcoming Jang's early lead in the pivotal third game with a 13-11 cliffhanger. His cross-court forehand winner on match point drew comparisons to legendary Chinese players from the audience.
These victories highlight China's continued dominance in international table tennis, while demonstrating the sport's growing competitiveness across Asia. Fans now anticipate potential matchups between Chinese players and emerging talents from Brazil and South Korea in subsequent rounds.
