Sun Yingsha of China competes during the women's singles 2nd round match against Kuai Man of China at 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Sun Yingsha and Lin Shidong secured victories in their respective women's and men's singles Chinese derbies in the round of 32 at the World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash on Tuesday.
Facing top-seeded Sun, 20-year-old Kuai Man took an early lead, winning the first set 11-8. However, Sun quickly regained momentum, dominating the following three sets 11-6, 11-6, and 11-4.
"We know each other well. I had a slow start today and then improved the quality and speed of my serves and returns," said Sun. "I am happy to play in front of so many fans on China's National Day."
In the men's singles, sixth-seeded Lin secured an 11-4, 11-6, 11-8 victory over qualifier Xue Fei. "The process was not that easy. I tried to be aggressive, adjusted my mindset to stay calm, and finally took the win," Lin said after the match. He will face Anton Kallberg of Sweden in the last 16.
On Tuesday evening, world No. 1 Wang Chuqin is set to take on Anders Lind of Denmark, while Lin will pair with Kuai Man to compete against the Japanese duo Sora Matsushima and Miwa Harimoto in the mixed doubles. ■
Lin Shidong of China celebrates victory after the men's singles 2nd round match against Xue Fei of China at 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
