China's Sun Yingsha during the quarterfinals of the Asian Table Tennis Championships in PyeongChang, South Korea, September 5, 2023. /CFP
The remarkable prowess of China's women's team was on full display on Tuesday as they effortlessly propelled themselves into the final of the Asian Table Tennis Championships in PyeongChang, South Korea.
Following their triumphant 3-0 victory over Singapore on Monday, the star-studded Chinese women's team found themselves pitted against their archrivals, Japan, in the highly anticipated semifinals.
Sun Yingsha set the tone by delivering an impressive performance, swiftly dispatching Hina Hayata with a flawless 3-0 win. Chen Meng followed suit, exhibiting her exceptional skills as she overcame a slow start to outclass Miu Hirano with a hard-fought 3-1 victory.
Not to be outdone, Chen Xingtong showcased her composure, securing another resounding 3-0 triumph against Mima Ito. With their dominant display of talent, the Chinese women's team have earned their place in the finals, where they will face either hosts South Korea or Hong Kong of China.
China's Ma Ling during the quarterfinals of the Asian Table Tennis Championships in PyeongChang, South Korea, September 4, 2023. /CFP
Meanwhile, the Chinese men's team edged out the underperforming Japanese side to breeze into the semifinals. Wang Chuqin swept aside Tomokazu Harimoto with an authoritative 3-0 victory. Fan Zhendong and Ma Long mirrored Wang's success with comfortable 3-0 wins over their opponents, Hiroto Shinozuka and Shunsuke Togami, respectively. Next up for them is a showdown with South Korea on Wednesday.
Reaching the semifinals guarantees a medal for China's men's team at the continental championships. In accordance with the competition's protocols, the two teams that fall short in the semifinals will be bestowed with the honor of a bronze medal.