China reaffirmed its table tennis supremacy by securing a third consecutive men's team title at the ITTF-ATTU Asian Championships in Bhubaneswar, defeating Hong Kong SAR 3-0 in a decisive final on Wednesday. The victory marks another milestone in China's storied table tennis legacy.
From Nail-Biting Semis to Commanding Final
The road to glory wasn't without challenges. China survived a grueling 3-2 semifinal against Japan that stretched over four hours, showcasing resilience under pressure. This hard-fought win set the stage for a dominant final performance against Hong Kong SAR.
Lin Shidong Sets the Pace
World No. 2 Lin Shidong electrified the arena with an 11-8, 11-4, 11-4 dismantling of Wong Chun-Ting, giving China early momentum. His precision serves and aggressive returns left little room for counterplay.
Wang Chuqin Seals the Advantage
Top-ranked Wang Chuqin faced stiff resistance from Baldwin Chan, narrowly claiming a 12-10 opener before trading games. The Chinese star ultimately prevailed 14-12 in a tense fourth set, demonstrating why he's ranked among the sport's elite.
Liang Jingkun's Clutch Performance
World No. 7 Liang Jingkun delivered the coup de grâce, saving three game points to win his opening set 13-11 against Yiu Kwan-To. After cruising through the second set 11-6, he sealed China's victory with a dramatic 12-10 third-set triumph.
Hong Kong SAR's silver medal finish represents its best-ever championship result, signaling growing competitiveness in Asian table tennis.
