Can China Maintain Its Dominance After Defeating Germany at the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- China defeated Germany 8-4 in the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup.
- Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin displayed exceptional performances.
- The mixed doubles match set the tone for China's victory.
- The tournament format requires teams to win eight matches to secure overall victory.
- Upcoming matches against Japan and Sweden will test China's dominance.
Chengdu, Dec 5 (NationPress) The title contenders China secured a convincing 8-4 victory over Germany, ensuring they remain at the pinnacle of the rankings in the round-robin second stage of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Mixed Team World Cup on Friday.
In the opening mixed doubles match, China's Kuai Man and Lin Shidong triumphed over the German duo of Benedikt Duda and Sabine Winter with scores of 11-6, 13-11, 9-11. World No. 1 Sun Yingsha further solidified China's lead to 5-1 by defeating Nina Mittelham with scores of 11-7, 11-3, 11-7 in the women's singles.
However, Germany's Patrick Franziska managed to surprise Chinese star Wang Chuqin, winning the men's singles 12-10, 11-3, 7-11. In the ensuing men's doubles, Wang and Liang Jingkun made a comeback to outplay Duda and Qiu Dang with scores of 6-11, 11-2, 12-10, as reported by Xinhua.
"I struggled to respond effectively at the match's start. I gradually adjusted and maintained the momentum in the doubles match. I also congratulated my friend Franziska for his remarkable performance today," said Wang.
On the same day, Hong Kong, China narrowly defeated France with a score of 8-7 after both teams were tied at 6-6 following 12 games. In the crucial fifth match, Zhu Chengzhu and Doo Hoi Kem overcame the French pair of Yuan Jianan and Prithika Pavade with scores of 11-5, 9-11, 11-2, securing victory for Hong Kong, China.
The ITTF Mixed Team World Cup, ongoing from November 30 to December 7, features a competition format that begins with mixed doubles, followed by women's singles, men's singles, and men's and women's doubles if necessary, with the order of play determined by the captain of the lower-ranked team.
Each individual match consists of three games, leading to either a 3-0 or 2-1 scoreline. Team matches continue until one side achieves eight game victories.
On Saturday, China is set to compete against Japan and Sweden in consecutive matches.
Previously, China defeated South Korea and France with an unbeaten record at the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup on Thursday.
In their match against archrivals South Korea, the Chinese pair of Kuai Man and Lin Shidong dominated Kim Na-yeong and Park Gang-hyeon with scores of 11-5, 14-12, 11-8 in the mixed doubles.
Wang Manyu then secured an 11-7, 11-7, 11-8 victory over Lee Eun-hye, and world No.1 Wang Chuqin added two more games with scores of 11-9, 11-4 against An Jae-hyun, sealing a resounding 8-0 win.
Later, in a match against France, the home team's dominance was tested by Felix Lebrun.
In mixed doubles, China's Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha bested Alexis Lebrun and Yuan Jianan with scores of 11-7, 12-10, 11-5. Wang Manyu also cruised past Prithika Pavade with scores of 11-9, 12-10, 11-2. However, Felix Lebrun managed to rally against Liang Jingkun winning 6-11, 13-11, 11-7, after which Wang Chuqin and Lin secured the team's victory with an 8-2 score by defeating Felix Lebrun and Alexis Lebrun 11-9 in men's doubles.