China capture third consecutive men's title at Asian Table Tennis Team Championships

Defending champions China showcased their paddle prowess by routing the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) 3-0 to clinch their third consecutive men's title at the ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Team Championships in Bhubaneswar, India, on Wednesday.

Riding high on momentum after a nervy 3-2 semifinal victory over Japan that required an exhausting four hours, the Chinese squad entered the championship contest brimming with confidence and determination.

World No. 2 Lin Shidong set the tone from the outset, delivering a commanding performance against Wong Chun-Ting to take the first match 11-8, 11-4, 11-4.

In the second match, top-ranked Wang Chuqin faced Baldwin Chan in a tight battle. After narrowly claiming the opening game 12-10, Wang exchanged wins with Chan in the next two before emerging victorious in an even closer fourth frame, putting it away 14-12 to extend China's overall lead to 2-0.

The third match featured Liang Jingkun saving three game points to snatch the opener against Yiu Kwan-To 13-11. China's World No. 7 then dominated the second 11-6, and after the score in the third was tied at 8-8, Liang ultimately prevailed 12-10 to seal the title.

Wang Hao's men lifted their third successive continental trophy, reinforcing China's table tennis dominance, while Hong Kong's runner-up showing marks the SAR's best-ever performance at this event.