In an electrifying semifinal showdown, Shenzhen University overcame Shanghai Longteng 3-1 on Monday, securing their spot in the Chinese Table Tennis Super League women’s team final against Shandong Luneng.
Despite being favored, Shenzhen faced an early setback when their doubles pair, Kuai Man and Qin Yuxuan, fell to Shanghai’s Liu Weishan and Chen Yi. After taking the first game 11-7, Kuai and Qin couldn’t maintain their momentum, dropping the next three games as Liu and Chen rallied to give Shanghai a 1-0 lead.
World champion Sun Yingsha stepped up for Shenzhen in the second match against He Zhuojia. After a narrow 12-10 loss in the first game, Sun showcased her skill and determination, claiming the next three games 11-5, 11-5, and 13-11 to level the overall score.
The third match featured a face-off between Kuai Man and Chen Yi. Kuai’s aggressive offense earned her the first two games 11-6 and 11-9. Chen fought back to tie the match, winning the next two games 11-6 and 11-6. In a tense fifth game, Kuai secured an 11-8 victory, pushing Shenzhen ahead 2-1.
Sun Yingsha returned for the fourth match against Liu Weishan. In a thrilling encounter where each game was decided by just two points, Sun emerged victorious with scores of 11-9, 12-10, and 13-11, sealing Shenzhen’s place in the final.
Meanwhile, Shandong Luneng dominated Huangshi Base with a 3-0 sweep. The dynamic duo of Chen Xingtong and Qian Tianyi defeated Cheng Hsien-Tzu and Miyu Kihara in straight games. World No. 2 Wang Manyu showcased her prowess, swiftly overcoming 15-year-old Yao Ruixuan 11-5, 11-3, 11-3. Chen Xingtong then faced Kihara, overturning early deficits in each game to win 11-9, 11-5, 11-8, and confirm Shandong’s spot in the final.
The stage is set for an exciting final between Shenzhen University and Shandong Luneng. Fans eagerly await the clash of these table tennis titans as they battle for the championship title.
Reference(s):
Shandong to face Shenzhen in Chinese Table Tennis Super League final
cgtn.com
