Doha, Qatar 6 China's World No.2 Wang Chuqin cruised into the second round of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals with a flawless 4-0 victory over American 18-year-old Nandan Naresh. Dominating the arena, Wang controlled every rally, dispatching his opponent 11-6, 11-4, 11-2, 11-4.
A match highlight came when Wang successfully challenged a service call via video review, overturning an initial ruling. He said he had full confidence in his serves as he eyes his first singles world title in Doha.
Liang Jingkun, ranked fifth in the world, also booked his spot in round two, edging out the DPRK's Ham Yu Song in five games: 14-12, 11-6, 10-12, 11-3, 11-8. The battle of styles showcased Liang's adaptability under pressure.
Elsewhere, penhold specialist Xue Fei was the first player from the Chinese mainland to exit, surrendering a two-game lead before falling 9-11, 9-11, 13-11, 16-14, 14-12, 11-4 to Japan's Hiroto Shinozuka.
The world's top penholder, France's Felix Lebrun, made a statement of his own, brushing aside Slovakia's Lubomir Pistej in straight games 11-7, 11-5, 11-9, 11-8.
As the draw tightens in Doha, global table tennis fans can expect thrilling matchups in the next round, with rising stars and seasoned champions clashing on the sport's biggest stage.
Reference(s):
Wang Chuqin reaches second round at World Table Tennis Championships
cgtn.com
