Chinese table tennis players have made a strong showing at the 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) Finals in Fukuoka, Japan, with five athletes advancing to the singles semifinals. Their performances have solidified China’s dominance in the sport and set the stage for exciting matches ahead.
In the men’s singles quarterfinals, defending champion Wang Chuqin secured a 3-1 victory over Sweden’s Truls Moregard. Wang started strong, and despite Moregard leveling the match, he maintained his composure to clinch the win. Wang will face Slovenia’s Darko Jorgic in the semifinals.
Lin Shidong also impressed by defeating Germany’s Qiu Dang in straight sets. After overcoming early deficits, Lin showcased resilience and skill to secure his place in the next round. He is set to compete against Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto. “We’ve played each other multiple times recently,” Lin noted. “I’ll prepare for a tough battle and give it my all.”
In the women’s singles, China continues to dominate with three out of four semifinal spots. Wang Yidi and Chen Xingtong both triumphed over their Japanese opponents, leading to an all-Chinese semifinal between them. Meanwhile, Wang Manyu defeated compatriot Qian Tianyi and will compete against Romania’s Bernadette Szocs. “When you’re playing a teammate who knows you so well, it’s hard to score with quick or surprising plays,” Wang Manyu explained. “It becomes more about skills and consistency in the rallies.”
Despite successes in singles, the Chinese women’s doubles duo Qian Tianyi and Chen Xingtong faced elimination after losing to Japan’s Hitomi Sato and Honoka Hashimoto. The Japanese pair will face compatriots Satsuki Odo and Sakura Yokoi in the final, ensuring an all-Japanese podium in women’s doubles.
The WTT Finals continue to offer thrilling matches and high-level competition, with fans worldwide eagerly anticipating the upcoming semifinals and finals.
Reference(s):
Five Chinese table tennis players reach WTT Finals singles semifinals
cgtn.com
