Qian Tianyi hits a return during her table tennis women's singles final against Kyoka Idesawa at the Chengdu Universiade, August 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhao Shuo)
China has swept all seven table tennis golds at the Chengdu Universiade following victories in the men's and women's singles finals on Saturday.
CHENGDU, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's Qian Tianyi beat Kyoka Idesawa of Japan 4-3 to take the women's singles title, while Zhou Kai prevailed 4-2 over Xu Yingbin in an all-Chinese men's singles final at the FISU World University Games here on Saturday.
Qian downed Idesawa 8-11, 11-5, 11-7, 7-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-9. China's Zhao Shang and Paranang Orawan of Thailand shared the women's bronze medal.
Qian praised her opponent after the match. "Idesawa is an excellent player, and she made few mistakes during the whole match," she said, adding that her greater resilience was the key to her win.
Idesawa had edged Qian 3-2 in the team final. But this time, she said she felt Qian had changed her tactics.
Zhou Kai serves during his table tennis men's singles final win against compatriot Xu Yingbin. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)
"I could feel that Qian played in a different way," Idesawa said, adding that she was satisfied with the result.
Zhou overcame Xu 11-7, 11-2, 8-11, 4-11, 11-7 and 11-8 for the men's crown. China's Xue Fei and Yang Chia-an of Chinese Taipei shared the bronze.
China has lived up to expectations, sweeping all seven gold medals in table tennis at the Chengdu Universiade. ■
