The atmosphere was electric on Thursday at the WTT (World Table Tennis) Finals in Hong Kong SAR as top talents from the Chinese mainland continued their dominance, powering through to the quarterfinals with commanding displays.
World No. 1 Sun Yingsha wasted no time against compatriot Wang Yidi, cruising to an 11-3, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7 victory in just 28 minutes. Her blend of pinpoint serves and relentless attack has become her trademark this year. On Friday, she faces Japan’s Miyu Nagasaki in a matchup that pits Sun’s aggressive style against Nagasaki’s tactical finesse.
On the men’s side, 20-year-old World No. 2 Lin Shidong turned heads with a 15-13, 11-3, 11-4, 11-9 sweep over the seasoned Liang Jingkun. Lin’s dynamic footwork and powerful forehand helped him take control early, booking his spot in the last eight and showcasing the rise of a new contender on the global stage.
Joining them are Xiang Peng and Kuai Man, who dispatched the Republic of Korea’s An Jae-hyun and Japan’s Hina Hayata respectively. These wins underline the depth of talent in China’s squad and set the stage for exciting intercontinental clashes as the draw narrows.
In mixed doubles, Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha teamed up to beat compatriots Lin Shidong and Kuai Man 13-11, 12-10, 11-6. Meanwhile, Hong Kong SAR’s Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem thrilled the home crowd in a five-set thriller against India’s Manush Shah and Diya Chitale, edging out a 11-7, 11-3, 4-11, 10-12, 11-4 win.
With quarterfinal lineups set, anticipation is building ahead of Friday’s session – a chance for emerging stars to challenge established champions on one of table tennis’s grandest stages.
Reference(s):
Sun Yingsha, Lin Shidong reach women's, men's last eight at WTT Finals
cgtn.com
