The WTT US Smash in Las Vegas delivered thrilling table tennis action as Chinese mainland star Lin Shidong powered into the men’s singles semi-finals with a 4-1 victory over Japan’s Yuta Tanaka. Lin set the tone early, cruising through the first three frames 11-4, 11-6, 11-2 before fending off a spirited fightback to close out the match 11-5 in the fifth.
Lin’s blend of speed and precision kept Tanaka on the back foot. Despite Tanaka rallying from 5-5 to take the fourth frame 11-9, Lin regained control in the decider, booking a clash with either Lin Yun-Ju or Harimoto Tomokazu in the semis.
On the women’s side, China’s Chen Yi pulled off a remarkable 4-3 comeback against Japan’s Hina Hayata. After dropping the first three frames and trailing 7-3 in the fourth, Chen rattled off eight straight points to turn the tide 11-9. She then claimed the next two frames 11-7 and 11-2, before sealing the final frame 11-9, showcasing grit and mental strength.
The women’s doubles final promises an all–China mainland showdown after second seeds Sun Yingsha and Wang Manyu dispatched South Korea’s third seeds Kim Nayeong and Ryu Han-na in straight sets (11-7, 12-10, 11-5). They will meet compatriots Wang Yidi and Kuai Man for the title.
Meanwhile, the men’s doubles semi-finals saw defending champions Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun fall 3-0 to France’s Felix and Alexis Lebrun. The French brothers now advance to the final, underscoring the global reach of the sport and setting the stage for a high-stakes championship match.
Reference(s):
Lin reaches US Smash semis, Chen stages comeback against Hayata
cgtn.com
