In an electrifying finale at the Asian Table Tennis Championships held in Astana, Kazakhstan, China's Lin Shidong and Kuai Man clinched the mixed doubles title after a gripping match against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) duo Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong.
The final score read 9-11, 12-10, 11-9, 15-13, marking China's second title in the continental competition. Despite trailing in the first game, Lin and Kuai showcased remarkable resilience by overcoming the deficit and maintaining their composure throughout the intense gameplay.
The DPRK team made significant waves by eliminating the Japanese champions Tomokazu Harimoto and Hina Hayata, and challenging Chinese favorites Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha at the upcoming 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Their impressive performance continued as they defeated South Korea's bronze medalists Lim Jong-hoon and Shin Yu-bin in the semifinals.
Throughout the mixed doubles final, both teams exchanged leads, creating a nail-biting atmosphere for the spectators. A lucky bounce allowed Lin and Kuai to tie the second game at 10-10, eventually leveling the match at 1-1. However, the Chinese pair ultimately prevailed, securing the championship title.
Reference(s):
China win mixed doubles title at Asian Table Tennis Championships
cgtn.com
