Spectators at Sichuan Gymnasium were treated to an epic showdown between two of the juggernaut teams on display at ITTF Mixed Team World Cup Chengdu 2024 presented by CHINA TELECOM, with China holding off a brave charge from Korea Republic on Day 5.
A close-run contest from start to finish, Shin Yubin and Cho Daeseong made Korea Republic’s presence felt right from the off, limiting Kuai Man and Lin Shidong to a 2-1 win (10-12, 11-7, 11-7), while Kim Nayeong became the first player to take a game off Sun Yingsha this week, losing out by just a 2-1 scoreline (10-12, 11-2, 11-7).
With Wang Chuqin landing a straight games win over Oh Junsung (16-14, 11-8, 13-11), Korea Republic’s hopes rested on the shoulders of An Jaehyun and Cho Daeseong, who performed admirably in the Men’s Doubles. However, with Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun responding to a two-game deficit with a strong effort in the third (8-11, 7-11, 11-7), it was China that came away 8-4 victors.
“I took this Men’s Singles very seriously. He (Oh Junsung) played very well against me last time, including today. His long ball maneuvering ability is very strong, and we played a lot of exciting rallies. This time I was more prepared and understood my opponent better, and my mindset in the singles match was relatively better than before. In the Men’s Doubles, Coach Wang Hao rearranged the techniques and tactics for us in the third game, and the result was very good.” Wang Chuqin
FOLLOW TOURNAMENT ACTION
The margins were also tight in Hong Kong, China’s showdown with Germany as the two teams traded fierce blows in an end-to-end 8-5 contest.
While Germany struck first with a 2-1 win in the Mixed Doubles, the lead quickly changed hands as Doo Hoi Kem produced a masterful display in the first singles match against Yuan Wan (11-9, 11-4, 11-9).
Momentum would switch hands again as Kay Stumper claimed an impressive 2-1 victory over Wong Chun Ting (11-6, 11-8, 10-12), but Wong would redeem himself, joining forces with Yiu Kwan To in a 2-1 Men’s Doubles win over Stumper and Cedric Meissner (11-9, 11-13, 15-13). With Doo Hoi Kem and Ng Wing Lam grabbing an additional game against Yuan Wan and Sophia Klee (11-4), game No.8 was locked up.
Elsewhere, Romania’s week continues to go from strength to strength, putting eight games past USA without reply, while Japan took another step towards a potential spot in Stage 3 with an 8-3 win over France.
