BEIJING, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week:
1. Torch relay for Chengdu Universiade starts in Beijing
The flame of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games was transferred from host city Chengdu by the aircraft to Beijing on June 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
The 31st FISU Summer World University Games welcomed another milestone as the torch relay started on June 10 in Beijing.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, lit the torch from a cauldron at a ceremony held on the campus of Peking University and announced the start of the relay.
The torch relay involves five cities: Beijing; Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang Province; Shenzhen; Chongqing; and Yibin, Sichuan Province.
The flame will then return to Chengdu and light the main cauldron of the Universiade when it officially opens on July 28.
2. Wang/Hsieh power into women's doubles final at French Open
Wang Xinyu (L)/Hsieh Su-Wei celebrate during the women's doubles semifinals against Nicole Melichar-Martinez/Ellen Perez at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France on June 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
China's Wang Xinyu and Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei secured their berth in the French Open women's doubles final after ousting No. 6 seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 on June 9.
"I didn't expect we would reach this stage. We just wanted to go to the court and we said to each other just have fun and enjoy the game, and then we are here," Wang said.
Playing in only their second event as a pair, Wang and Hsieh will face Leylah Fernandez and Taylor Townsend in Sunday's showdown, where 21-year-old Wang is going to make her debut in the final of a Grand Slam tournament. Hsieh is already a four-time Grand Slam doubles champion, three from Wimbledon (2013, 2019, 2021) and one from the clay-court major (2014).
3. China misses bronze after Australia's buzzer beater at FIBA 3x3 World Cup
China's Wan Jiyuan (R) defends against Australia's Marena Whittle during the FIBA 3x3 World Cup women's 3rd place match in Vienna, Austria on June 4, 2023. (Photo by Georges Schneider/Xinhua)
China's women's team fell to a 21-20 loss to Australia, courtesy of a last-second shot in the medal game at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup on June 4.
Despite having only three players available due to Zhang Yi's knee injury sustained in the semifinal against the United States earlier that day, China executed a smart and strategic game, conserving energy and maintaining a 20-17 lead by scoring from afar. However, Australia's Marena Whittle made the ultimate difference with two 2-point shots, overturning the game and securing victory.
4. China books Paris 2024 tickets in FEI Eventing Nations Cup
Liang Ruiji of China in action during the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Eventing Nations Cup in Millstreet, Ireland on June 4, 2023. (Photo courtesy of FEI)
China secured its place at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games after finishing second at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Eventing Nations Cup in Millstreet, Ireland on June 4.
Australia finished first with 100.8 penalties in the three-day competition, while China ranked second with 122.1 penalties, ahead of Japan and South Africa.
Chinese rider Alex Hua Tian, who had zero penalties at jumping on Sunday, said, "My teammates made a lot of sacrifice for this qualification. We should be proud of ourselves. I'm so happy for my team, my teammates, myself, the horse, the owner, and for everyone who supports us."
5. Chen/Jia make women's doubles final at badminton Singapore Open
Chen Qingchen (L)/Jia Yifan of China compete during the women's doubles quarterfinal against Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong of South Korea at the Singapore Open badminton tournament on June 9, 2023. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
World champions Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan beat compatriots Li Wenmei and Liu Xuanxuan 21-18, 21-12 to book a ticket to the women's doubles final at the Singapore Open on June 10.
They will face the challenge from South Korean pair Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee, who came from behind to beat another Chinese duo, Zhang Shuxian and Zheng Yu, 16-21, 21-18, 21-10 in the last four.
Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, who had won the men's doubles title in commanding fashion at the Thailand Open on June 4, rallied past Malaysia's Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik 16-21, 21-15, 21-17 in the semifinal.
Olympic champion Chen Yufei fell to arch rival Akane Yamaguchi of Japan 21-10, 18-21, 21-16 in the women's singles semifinal.
6. Chinese diving team unveils 18-member list for Fukuoka World Aquatics Championships
Quan Hongchan (R)/Chen Yuxi of China compete during the women's 10m synchronized final at the FINA Diving World Cup in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province on April 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
China will send an 18-member squad to compete at the 2023 Fukuoka World Aquatics Championships in July, headed by four Tokyo Olympic champions Quan Hongchan, Chen Yuxi, Zhang Jiaqi and Wang Zongyuan.
The team will feature some new blood, including rookies Long Daoyi (men's 3m springboard) and Wang Feilong (mixed 10m platform synchro), who will make their debuts at the Championships as China strives to obtain full tickets for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.■
