Lin Shidong defeats Liang Jingkun for ITTF World Cup final debut

Lin Shidong came back to defeat Liang Jingkun 4-1 (13-15, 11-4, 11-5, 11-8, 11-7) in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Cup men's singles semifinals in south China's Macao Special Administrative Region on Saturday, advancing to the final for the first time in his career.

Liang, 28, made good use of his rich experience to clinch the first game, but then Lin fought back with quicker shots and better mobility to claim four straight games for the final victory.

Lin was called for two fouls in the match which cost him two points. When asked about the referee's work, he did not complain.

"I think the referee made the right call. Maybe I didn't serve high enough. It's the correct call," he said.

In the other semifinal match, Hugo Calderano of Brazil knocked out home favorite Wang Chuqin in seven games. Having lost the first game 12-14, Wang clinched three consecutive frames 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 to lead 3-1 in the match. Calderano replied with three consecutive games 11-7, 11-5, 12-10 for a comeback win. He and Lin will compete for the title on Sunday night.

On the women's side, defending champion and top seed Sun Yingsha defeated her compatriot Chen Xingtong 4-1 to book her place in the final. Sun claimed the first three games 11-7, 11-8, 11-2. Though Chen put up some resistance by taking the fourth 12-10, Sun sealed the deal 11-4 in the fifth game and stayed on route to defending her throne.

Sun's opponent in the final will be another Chinese, Kuai Man, who came back to edge Mima Ito 4-3 in the other semifinal match.