<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-10-05/Lin-Shidong-Kuai-Man-capture-mixed-doubles-title-at-WTT-China-Smash-1xrCrKM4cG4/img/d23ef4f370314473ac698fb9c93f4dde/d23ef4f370314473ac698fb9c93f4dde.jpeg' alt='Kuai Man (L) and Lin Shidong of China win the mixed doubles title at the World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, October 4, 2024. /CFP'
Chinese pair Lin Shidong and Kuai Man defeated compatriots Lin Gaoyuan and Wang Yidi 11-5, 3-11, 11-5, 11-5 in the mixed doubles final to win the title at the World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing on Friday.
“We didn’t expect to win this match 3-1,” Lin Shidong told reporters. “Perhaps we did better in preparing for the final and changing the pace.”
“I think, generally, we have been performing well in tournaments,” Kuai said. “I’m glad that we can bring exciting matches to the fans.”
Chinese paddlers will lift the other two doubles trophies at home as well.
Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun brushed aside French pair Alexis Lebrun and Felix Lebrun 11-3, 11-9, 14-12 in the men’s doubles semifinals. Their opponents in the final will be Lin Gaoyuan and Lin Shidong, who knocked out fellow Chinese duo Yuan Licen and Xiang Peng in five games 9-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5.
The women’s doubles final will feature Sun Yingsha and Wang Yidi going up against Chen Xingtong and Qian Tianyi.
Sun and Wang beat Cheng I-Ching and Li Yu-Jhun of Chinese Taipei 11-7, 11-7, 11-3 in the semifinals, while Chen and Qian defeated Chen Yi and Xu Yi 11-7, 11-8, 11-5 in a contest between two home teams.
“I think this match was smooth,” Wang said. “We were in good control of the rhythm and performed well.”
Qian added that their constant communication was the key to their victory and vowed that she and Chen will give their best in the final against their younger compatriots.
