Team China showcased their resilience at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Singapore Smash on Thursday, advancing in multiple events despite the unexpected exits of world No.1 Fan Zhendong and Olympic champion Ma Long in the men's singles.
Fan Zhendong overcame a challenging start by dispatching local pair Quek Izaac and Pang Yew En Koen alongside teammate Wang Chuqin, securing a 9-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-4 victory. Meanwhile, Ma Long and Lin Gaoyuan joined the ranks by earning a spot in the men's doubles semifinals after defeating Belgian duo Martin Allegro and Adrien Rassenfosse in straight sets.
Liang Jingkun delivered a thrilling performance in the men's singles, battling back from two sets down to triumph over Japan's Tomokazu Harimoto with a final score of 9-11, 12-14, 11-5, 11-6, 11-8.
On the women's side, Wang Yidi secured her place in the next round by defeating South Korean veteran Suh Hyowon 3-0, setting up an exciting match against teammate Qian Tianyi.
The mixed doubles duo of Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha are now poised to defend their title in the final fixture of the day, promising more exhilarating matches for table tennis fans worldwide.
Reference(s):
Chinese paddlers advance at World Table Tennis Singapore Smash
cgtn.com
