Top-seeded Chinese table tennis players showcased their prowess at the Singapore Smash, advancing confidently to the next rounds in both the men’s and women’s singles events.
No. 1 seed Wang Chuqin defeated Singapore’s own Koen Pang in straight games, winning 11-7, 11-7, 11-8 in the men’s singles second round. Despite Pang’s world ranking of 142 compared to Wang’s top spot, the match was fiercely contested, especially in the second and third games.
“He was a tough opponent in this best-of-five match,” Wang admitted after the game. “I had to stay focused throughout.”
Wang is set to face 15th seed Anton Kallberg of Sweden in the next round. Reflecting on their previous encounter, where Kallberg defeated him at the World Table Tennis Champions Frankfurt last year, Wang anticipates another challenging match. “I’m preparing for a tough clash,” he said.
Meanwhile, fourth seed Liang Jingkun staged a remarkable comeback against German veteran Dimitrij Ovtcharov, overcoming a two-game deficit to win 6-11, 5-11, 11-6, 11-9, 15-13. Liang will face another German player, Ricardo Walther, in the upcoming round.
On the women’s side, China’s fourth-seeded Chen Xingtong dominated Portugal’s Shao Jieni with an 11-5, 11-8, 11-6 victory. Chen will next compete against Romania’s 13th seed Bernadette Szocs.
Second seed Wang Manyu secured her spot in the last 16 by defeating Chien Tung-Chuan of Chinese Taipei 14-12, 8-11, 11-6, 11-3. Her next opponent is her women’s doubles partner, Kuai Man, setting up an exciting all-Chinese matchup.
