In a thrilling showdown at the WTT Champions Incheon in South Korea, Chinese paddlers Wang Yidi and Xiang Peng delivered standout performances to claim the women’s and men’s singles titles.
Wang Yidi fought a hard battle against compatriot Chen Xingtong in a grueling seven-game affair. Trailing three games behind, she rallied with six consecutive points in the final minutes to stage a stunning comeback, with set scores of 11-9, 8-11, 9-11, 12-14, 11-9, 11-6, 12-10. Reflecting on her performance, Wang remarked, "This match was truly challenging for me. I was essentially playing catch-up throughout, but I kept strategizing ways to shift the momentum. Ultimately, what brought me victory was the faith of refusing to surrender."
Meanwhile, unseeded Xiang Peng emerged as a dark horse in the men’s singles. Overcoming top opponents such as second seed Hugo Calderano in the quarterfinals and fifth seed Patrick Franziska in the semifinals, Xiang powered through to a swift 25-minute victory over South Korean Lee Sang-su in the final, with set scores of 11-8, 11-0, 11-3, 11-4. Commenting on his breakthrough triumph, Xiang said he focused solely on the game, and his determined performance helped him overcome a recent slump, boosting his confidence for future challenges.
The victories of Wang and Xiang not only highlight their individual tenacity and skill but also add an inspiring chapter to the international table tennis scene, resonating with sports fans and young enthusiasts around the world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
