Lin Gaoyuan of China reacts after scoring a point in the men's singles match against Jonathan Groth of Denmark at World Table Tennis (WTT) Champions Incheon in Incheon, South Korea, April 1, 2025. /WTT
World No. 9 paddler Lin Gaoyuan of China began the World Table Tennis (WTT) Champions Incheon with a 3-1 comeback win over Jonathan Groth of Denmark in the men's singles first round on Tuesday in South Korea.
Having conceded the first game 7-11, Lin adjusted his style of playing. First he tied the match by taking the second game 11-6 and then came back to claim the third 12-10 despite trailing during most time of the game. The fourth one remained close but Lin outperformed Groth 11-9 to finish the job.
Lin's compatriot Xiang Peng swept past Omar Assar of Egypt 11-6, 11-8, 16-14 to reach the round of 16 as well. Xue Fei became the only lost Chinese player on the day after he was knocked out by Lin Yun-ju of Chinese Taipei 9-11, 11-3, 13-11, 11-5.
On the women's side, top-seed Wang Yidi of China walked over Cheng I-Ching of Chinese Taipei 11-7, 11-2, 11-5 in the first round. Qian Tianyi defeated Manika Batra of India in four games 11-2, 8-11, 11-3, 11-6 in another match.