At the WTT Europe Smash final on Friday, the Chinese mainland duo of Lin Shidong and Kuai Man continued their winning streak by claiming the mixed doubles crown in style. Facing South Korea’s Lim Jong-hoon and Shin Yu-bin, they swept all three games (11-8, 11-6, 11-4) to seal the deal 😍🏓.
This victory marks their fourth straight Slam title together, following last month’s win in Las Vegas at the United States Smash. Despite a brief fightback from the ROK pair—who once trimmed the gap to just one point in the opener—Lin and Kuai stayed cool under pressure and closed out the match in just over half an hour.
Lim and Shin, who grabbed bronze in Paris last summer, couldn’t find their Olympic form this time. After dropping the first game 11-8, they fell behind 11-6 in the second and couldn’t turn the tide in the third, losing 11-4.
This was the first title for the Chinese mainland at this year’s Europe Smash and a strong statement that they’re still the team to beat in mixed doubles. "We prepared well this time, in terms of studying our opponents’ strategies or evaluating their abilities. So I think we did a thorough preparation this time," said Lin.
As the crowd cheered for the champions, it was clear that Lin Shidong and Kuai Man are on a mission—and Asia’s young fans are here for it! 🌟
Reference(s):
Lin Shidong and Kuai Man win mixed doubles title at WTT Europe Smash
cgtn.com
