Zhu Yuling and Lin Yun-Ju take home the title at ITTF T2 Diamond 2019 Malaysia
Sports Scene
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Lin Yun-Ju (L) and Zhu Yuling (R). /VCG Photo

Lin Yun-Ju (L) and Zhu Yuling (R). /VCG Photo

Chinese table tennis player Zhu Yuling and Lin Yun-Ju from Chinese Taipei Sunday claimed the women’s and the men’s crown respectively at the ITTF T2 Diamond 2019 Malaysia.

22-year-old Fan Zhendong wore black in the match against 17-year-old Lin Yun-Ju and lost the first and second games. 

On game point in the fourth, Fan hit the net and Lin took it 11-5 for a 3-1 lead. Lin then wrapped up the fifth 5-0 for a 4-1 victory (11-7, 11-4, 8-11, 11-5, 5-0) to claim the title. 

"He played outstandingly, and I was not able to get going in the first two games. I won't make excuses for this defeat, and it was obvious he was better today. So, I will need to go back and work out how to do better," said Fan after the match. 

This is Lin's first-ever International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Tour men’s singles title.

"I'm satisfied with how I performed in the final," he said. "I fought hard for every point. I shall continue training hard and hope to keep on doing well."

In the women’s final, Sichuan native Zhu Yuling beat 20-year-old Wang Manyu.

The 2017 World Cup champion Zhu took the fourth 11-7 to reestablish her two-game lead. Zhu then won the fifth 5-2 for a 4-1 victory (11-9, 11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 5-2) that gave her the title.

"She played her shots well, especially the strong spin she put on the ball," said Wang, "I've improved in many areas since coming here for the T2 Asia-Pacific Table Tennis League (T2APAC) two years ago, but there's still plenty of room for improvement."

Zhu Yuling said the win was a culmination of all the hard work she has put into the tournament.

"I've fought hard in every match here, and the final was a continuation of the form I showed in the earlier matches. I've not played Manyu for a while, and felt I executed my game plan better today," said Zhu.