China continues to assert its dominance in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Mixed Team World Cup, securing a resounding 8-1 victory over the USA in Chengdu, China, on Tuesday. This win marks China’s third consecutive triumph in the tournament, propelling them confidently into the next phase.
The hosts began strongly with Lin Shidong and Wang Yidi in the mixed doubles match. The duo showcased exceptional teamwork, swiftly defeating the American pair of Kayla Goodwin and Nandan Naresh with scores of 11-3, 11-7, and 11-8, giving China an early 3-0 lead.
In the women’s singles, World No. 1 Sun Yingsha demonstrated her prowess by overpowering Jessica Reyes Lai. With a commanding performance, Sun secured an 11-6, 11-2, 11-3 victory, extending China’s lead to 6-0.
The men’s singles match saw a thrilling encounter between China’s 19-year-old rising star Lin Shidong and the USA’s Sid Naresh. Despite a challenging start where Lin dropped the first game 9-11—allowing the USA their sole point—he rallied back with determination. Lin dominated the next two games 11-4 and 11-2, sealing the overall 8-1 victory for China.
Lin Shidong has rapidly ascended to World No. 2 this year after clinching five titles in World Table Tennis competitions. His strong performance in Chengdu reinforces his status as a key player in the tournament.
With this win, China concludes their Group One campaign unbeaten, having previously defeated India and Australia without dropping a single game. Their impeccable performance solidifies their status as strong contenders for the championship as they advance to the next stage.
The ITTF Mixed Team World Cup continues to captivate fans worldwide, with spectators eagerly watching how the competition unfolds. China’s impressive form sets a high bar for the remaining teams vying for the top spot.
Reference(s):
China beat USA 8-1 for third straight win at ITTF Mixed Team World Cup
cgtn.com
