China scored a double victory at the World Team Table Tennis Championships, with both men's and women's teams snatching their third straight victories in the preliminary round in China's Chengdu on Monday.
Men's singles world No. 1 and No. 2, Fan Zhendong and Ma Long, eased past their rivals 3-0. Slovenian star Darko Jorgic looked for a win but fell 11-6, 7-11, 11-7 and 11-9 to Wang Chuqin as Team Slovenia suffered their first defeat in Group 1.
"Actually, I did not play well today and wasted some opportunities, but my team encouraged me a lot, and I did learn from my rivals' challenge," Wang said after beating Slovenian top-seed Jorgic.
Team China and Team USA pose for a picture after their matches in the women's event at the World Team Table Tennis Championships in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, October 3, 2022. /CFP
On the women's side, China's Sun Yingsha swept American Lily Zhang 14-12, 11-3, 11-8. Chen Xingtong staged a strong comeback after losing the first set, beating American Sarah Jalli 9-11, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4.
"This was my first match, and I was a little nervous. I adjusted myself as soon as possible after losing the first set, which was very important," said Chen.
Tokyo Olympic champion Chen Meng overpowered 14-year-old American Yishiuan Lin in straight sets 11-6, 11-2, 11-5 to secure another win for the hosts.
"I can see that Lin is young, and I did not know her so much before, but I can feel through the match that she had a good touch and feeling today," Chen praised the youngster after the match.
(With input from Xinhua)