Chinese paddler Sun Yingsha, the No. 1 seed, is set to compete in one of the toughest sections at the upcoming World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing. According to the draw results released on Friday, Sun will face Natalia Bajor of Poland in the women's singles first round.
Sun Yingsha's section also includes formidable competitors such as Mima Ito and Miu Hirano from Japan, along with her compatriot, No. 3 seed Wang Yidi. This competitive group is sure to provide thrilling matches as the tournament progresses.
In the other half of the women's singles competition, second-seeded Wang Manyu of China will take on a wildcard home player, Shi Xunyao, in the first round. Wang Manyu could potentially face her compatriot, fourth-seeded Chen Xingtong, as the tournament advances.
In the men's singles, world No. 1 Wang Chuqin is set to begin his journey by playing against Hiroto Shinozuka of Japan in the first round. Notably, he's in the same half as Swedish No. 11 seed Truls Moregardh, who previously knocked Wang Chuqin out of the competition at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Chinese veteran Ma Long, listed as the fifth seed of the tournament, will compete in the same section as his compatriot, No. 5 seed Liang Jingkun. Ma Long is scheduled to play against Liam Pitchford of England in the first round.
Both Ma Long and Liang Jingkun are in the same half with second-seeded Hugo Calderano of Brazil, setting the stage for intense competition. The China Smash competitions are set to begin on Sunday, promising exciting table tennis action in the heart of Beijing.
Reference(s):
Home favorite Sun Yingsha to face tough challenge at WTT China Smash
cgtn.com
