China's Sun Yingsha wins the women's singles over Japan's Mima Ito at the WTT Champions Xinxiang in Henan Province, China, April 13, 2023. /CFP
It will be an all-Chinese affair to decide the women's singles victor at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Champions Xinxiang, as Chinese paddlers took all semifinal spots on Thursday.
In her first meeting with Mima Ito of Japan since the Tokyo Olympic Games, world No. 1 Sun Yingsha regrouped from losing 11-6 in the first game to emerge victorious 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 to secure her spot in the women's final four.
"After more than one year without playing against Ito, I just enjoyed the process. We are peers and it's always good rivalry between us. I can test my training level and find space for improvement every time when I compete with her," commented Sun.
Chen Xingtong went the full distance in outplaying teammate Wang Manyu 15-13, 9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-5.
"I did my best today," said Chen. "I missed some opportunities and made some mistakes, but I could settle for it."
"Chen played great. The first game was crucial. I led 10-8 and had several game points but still let the game slip away, which had impact on the following games," commented Wang.
Wang Yidi overwhelmed South Korean teenager Shin Yu-bin 3-0, while Olympic champion Chen Meng edged Hina Hayata of Japan in full games.
China's Chen Meng in action during her women's singles clash with Japan's Hina Hayata at the WTT Champions Xinxiang in Henan Province, China, April 13, 2023. /CFP
After Hayata won the opening game 11-9, Chen saved three game points for a 14-12 victory to level it at one game apiece. Hayata went ahead again with an 11-9 win in the third game, but a resilient Chen took the next two games 11-6, 13-11 to advance.
"It was a difficult game," admitted Chen. "I was in an inferior position at the start, but I kept coming up with ideas of how to turn the game around. I made full preparation for the difficulties ahead of this match. Overcoming adversities to win was huge recognition for myself."
In Friday's semifinals, Sun will take on Chen Meng, while Wang faces Chen Xingtong.
The men's singles quarterfinals saw two matches played between Chinese paddlers, where world No. 1 Fan Zhendong squeezed past Lin Shidong 3-2, while Liang Jingkun outlasted Wang Chuqin in straight games.
The other two semifinalists are Lim Jong-hoon of South Korea and Lin Yun-ju of Chinese Taipei. Lim will next square off against Fan, while Lin will contend for the other final spot with Liang.