How China thrashed Sweden in strong start to the 'most thrilling' Mixed Team World Cup

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) may have made laudable attempts to inject more unpredictability and spice into the sport, but China couldn't have hoped for a better start to the inaugural Mixed Team World Cup in their own backyard.  

Not only did they exhibit a flawless display to effortlessly dismiss Sweden in Chengdu, but they also demonstrated phenomenal adaptability to a groundbreaking new format specifically designed to challenge their long-standing supremacy. 

In a trailblazing maneuver, the ITTF has unveiled a bold and innovative mixed team layout that seamlessly integrates men's and women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events in this eagerly awaited edition of the World Cup. It features teams comprising a dynamic combination of three or four male and female players, resulting in a breathtaking fusion of talent and skill at the table.

The competition brings an exhilarating twist to the proceedings with its unique order of play. It kicks off with the mixed doubles event, setting the stage for an explosive start. This is followed by the women's singles matches, excluding those who have already participated in the mixed doubles. The men's singles matches then take center stage, also excluding participants from the mixed doubles. Finally, if needed, the tournament concludes with the women's doubles and men's doubles matches, adding an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the competition.

The sequence of matches for the last two encounters will be decided in advance by the team captain of the lower-ranked team, introducing an element of strategy and suspense to each showdown. Each individual match within a team clash will unfold across three games, resulting in a score of either 3-0 or 2-1. The team matches will continue until one team accumulates 8 games, thereby clinching a win. 

"The Chengdu Mixed Team World Cup boasts a lineup of unparalleled magnificence, implementing the most thrilling format that truly puts the tactical prowess and strategic acumen of each team to the ultimate test," observed Liu Guoliang, the deputy president of the ITTF.

Although the new tournament format brought an array of variables and a breath of fresh air, China showcased their terrifying consistency when faced with the 10th-seeded Swedish team on Monday night. 

In the opening match, Lin Gaoyuan/Wang Manyu went head-to-head against Kristian Karlsson/Christina Kallberg, and the Chinese duo encountered some resistance only in the first game, ultimately securing a narrow 11-9 win. The following two games proceeded smoothly, with comfortable triumphs of 11-2 and 11-4 respectively.

In the second match, the spotlight shifted to the world's number one-ranked female player Sun Yingsha, as she squared off against Linda Bergstrom. Sun faced a bit of trouble only in the final game, yet still emerged triumphant with scores of 11-9, 11-5, and 12-10.

The final player to grace the stage was Wang Chuqin, currently ranked second in the world for men's singles. The 23-year-old delivered a commanding performance, swatting aside Anton Kallberg 11-6 and 11-7, thereby helping China sweep Sweden with an impeccable 8-0 victory. 

It is noteworthy that, in order to adapt to the unique format of the Mixed Team World Cup and strategically tailor their approach, China makes astute adjustments to their coaching staff based on the dynamics of each outing. 

In the first mixed doubles match, coach Xiao Zhan takes the reins, providing guidance to Lin /Wang from the sidelines. However, when Sun steps onto the stage, the coaching responsibilities shift to the experienced Ma Lin. And when Wang Chuqin entered the arena for the men's singles match, coach Wang Hao assumed the role, replacing Ma Lin in offering tactical counsel.  

This shrewd maneuvering of coaching personnel enables Chinese team to deftly navigate the evolving landscape of the competition. "The competition format is unfamiliar to all of us, so giving our best and performing well on every point is of utmost importance," Wang Chuqin remarked.  

After a triumphant showing at the Asian Games, where China secured an impressive 6 gold medals in table tennis, it is evident that they have left no stone unturned in their quest for victory. However, this may not bode well for the other contenders vying for the coveted title.