Team China celebrate after the men's team finals table tennis match between China and South Korea at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
HANGZHOU, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China eased past South Korea 3-0 to claim their eighth consecutive Asian Games men's team table tennis title at the Hangzhou Asiad on Tuesday.
After downing Chinese Taipei 3-0 to reach the final, China took the initiative against South Korea in the title showdown as Wang Chuqin beat Lim Jong-hoon 3-1.
Wang took the first set 11-9, while Lim restored parity with an 11-8 victory. Then the world No. 2 wrapped up his victory 11-5, 12-10 in the following two sets.
"It was a tough match for me," Wang admitted. "I have faced Lim a few times before and I knew today's match would be challenging, so I made full preparation mentally for a tough battle."
Top-ranked Fan Zhendong demonstrated his supreme position in a 3-0 (11-6, 12-10, 11-3) victory over An Jae-hyun, before China closed out the match as veteran Ma Long defeated Park Gang-hyeon 3-0 (11-3, 12-10, 11-6).
Ma, who has concluded his fourth Asian Games campaign, revealed it would be the last time for him to participate in the Asian Games, adding that he was satisfied with his performance.
"I will stay here and assist my teammates with their training for upcoming matches, and I'll continue to maintain my training," he added. ■
Team China attend the awarding ceremony of the men's team table tennis match at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
Team China attend the awarding ceremony of the men's team table tennis match at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
Team China pose for photo after awarding ceremony of the men's team table tennis match at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
Team China attend the awarding ceremony of the men's team table tennis match at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
Team South Korea attend the awarding ceremony of the men's team table tennis match at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
Team Iran attend the awarding ceremony of the men's team table tennis match at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
Team Chinese Taipei attend the awarding ceremony of the men's team table tennis match at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
Ma Long of China competes during the men's team finals table tennis match between China and South Korea at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
Fan Zhendong of China competes during the men's team gold medal table tennis match between China and South Korea at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)
Wang Chuqin of China competes during the men's team finals table tennis match between China and South Korea at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
Coach Wang Hao (C) of China reacts during the men's team finals table tennis match between China and South Korea at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
Ma Long, Fan Zhendong and Wang Chuqin of China take an interview after the men's team finals table tennis match between China and South Korea at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
Audience cheer for team China after the men's team finals table tennis match between China and South Korea at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
