The inaugural WTT China Smash concluded in Beijing on Sunday, with Lin Shidong and Sun Yingsha rounding off a golden sweep for China in the men's and women's singles events.
Lin Shidong (L) and Sun Yingsha celebrate with their trophies at WTT China Smash award ceremony in Beijing, China, October 6, 2024. /CFP
Sixth-seeded Lin beat six-time Olympic champion Ma Long in full games 11-4, 7-11, 5-11, 13-15, 11-4, 11-5, 11-8. This was the first WTT Grand Smash singles title and third WTT Series singles title this season for the 19-year-old Lin.
"I want to congratulate Lin, he played excellently in recent matches, and I hope young Chinese players like him will receive increasing attention from the audience. I'm proud of how I fought in the tournament and have no regrets. It's a moment I will cherish," said Ma.
"I think Captain Ma deserved all the applause today. We both fought hard and tried our best to win. This trophy means a lot to me," said Lin.
Earlier on Sunday, top-ranked Sun bested teammate Wang Manyu 11-6, 12-14, 11-4, 6-11, 11-8, 11-7 to lift her first WTT Smash singles title of the season, and the second in her career after winning the Singapore edition last year.
The Olympic singles silver medalist's skill was on full display in the third game, when she won ten points in a row to lead 2-1 overall. Despite Wang's successful attempt to level the match, Sun broke the deadlock winning four points in a row after an early tie in the fifth game, and stormed to victory.
"Today's match was tough and also excellent. Whenever I compete against Manyu, it is quite fierce because we are very familiar with each other," said Sun.
"As this is the first WTT Grand Smash event in Beijing, I am pleased to have made such good memories here," Sun reflected. "I'm grateful for the support of spectators and hope to see you next time."
The 11-day WTT China Smash, held in Shougang Park in the capital city's western suburb, was the third and final WTT Grand Smash event of this year. China made a clean sweep of titles with all finals played within the home squad.
Earlier this week, Lin Shidong and Kuai Man beat Lin Gaoyuan and Wang Yidi 3-1 for the mixed doubles title, Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun overcame Lin Gaoyuan and Lin Shidong 3-2 in the men's doubles final, and the duo of Chen Xingtong and Qian Tianyi won the women's doubles title against higher-ranked Sun Yingsha and Wang Yidi 3-1.