Las Vegas, United States — China’s World No. 1 Lin Shidong showcased his dominance at the WTT US Smash, securing a 4-1 victory over Japan’s Yuta Tanaka in the men’s singles quarter-finals.
In their second career meeting, Lin swiftly took control, winning the first three games 11-4, 11-6, and a decisive 11-2. Tanaka mounted a spirited challenge in the fourth game, edging out an 11-9 win. However, Lin regained momentum to close out the match with an 11-5 victory in the fifth game, advancing to the semi-finals where he will face the winner between Lin Yun-Ju of Chinese Taipei and Japan’s Harimoto Tomokazu.
On the women’s side, China’s Chen Yi delivered a sensational performance against Japan’s Hina Hayata in a gripping 4-3 quarter-final thriller. After falling behind in the first three games, Chen rallied from a 7-3 deficit in the fourth game, scoring eight consecutive points to take it 11-9. Riding the wave of her comeback, she secured the next two games 11-7 and 11-2. In a tense final game, Chen sealed her victory with an 11-9 win, earning a spot in the semi-finals.
In women’s doubles action, China’s second seeds Sun Yingsha and Wang Manyu defeated South Korea’s Kim Nayeong and Ryu Han-na in straight sets, 11-7, 12-10, 11-5. They will face compatriots Wang Yidi and Kuai Man in an exciting all-China final showdown.
Meanwhile, in the men’s doubles semi-finals, China’s Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun faced disappointment as they were defeated 3-0 by France’s Lebrun brothers, Felix and Alexis.
