It was a rollercoaster start for Chinese paddlers 🏓 at the WTT Finals in Hong Kong SAR on Wednesday, as defending champions Wang Chuqin and Wang Manyu both fought back to win their round-of-16 matches and keep their title dreams alive.
World No. 1 Wang Chuqin faced a fierce challenge from Japan's 18-year-old Sora Matsushima, who stormed to a 3-1 lead with scores of 11-6, 11-9, 4-11, 14-12. But the 25-year-old defending champion dug deep, winning the next three games 12-10, 11-4, 11-9 to seal a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory. Next up, he will meet France's Alexis Lebrun in the quarterfinals.
“I wasn’t in top form at the start and had to adjust during the match,” Wang said. “After winning game five, my motivation soared, and I pushed hard to the end.”
On the women's side, World No. 2 Wang Manyu also survived a tough test, ousting Japan's Miwa Harimoto in six games (11-6, 11-8, 11-13, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7). The defending champion will take on the Republic of Korea's Joo Cheonhui in the last eight.
“Facing Miwa again so soon meant she was extra motivated after our last meeting,” Wang Manyu explained. “I started strong but slipped in game three. Credit to her for raising her level, but I managed to finish it.”
In mixed doubles action, the duo Lin Shidong and Kuai Man kicked off Group 1 by overpowering Hong Kong SAR's Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem 11-9, 11-4, 11-4, announcing themselves as contenders for the crown.
With quarterfinals on the horizon, all eyes are on these stars as the hunt for WTT Finals glory intensifies! 🔥😎
Reference(s):
Wang Chuqin, Wang Manyu start strong at WTT Finals in Hong Kong SAR
cgtn.com
