by sportswriters Li Chunyu, Yue Ranran and Guo Yuqi
MACAO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Liu Shiwen raised her hand and paused for a while, trying to calm down before the match point in the table tennis mixed doubles final at China's 15th National Games on Friday.
Former world No. 1 in women's singles, the 34-year-old's experience enabled her to handle the pressure properly at critical times in her sixth National Games.
As Jiangsu's Chen Yuanyu returned out of bounds, Liu and her partner Lin Gaoyuan won the sixth game 12-10 to clinch the gold.
The Guangdong duo rallied from two games down to defeat Chen and Kuai Man 13-15, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-8, 12-10 at Macao's Galaxy Arena.
"It was an excellent match. We didn't get many opportunities at the beginning. When we were behind, we reminded each other not to give up," Liu said. "There are always ups and downs in a match, and we must focus on details and fight until the last point."
Prior to the final, Liu and Lin had achieved consecutive comeback victories in the quarterfinals and semifinals.
"Our persistence and willpower were fully demonstrated in the tournament," noted 30-year-old Lin.
"I witnessed the growth of Lin in team Guangdong. Technically, he fared better than me at this stage. We cooperated smoothly and encouraged each other all the time, which gifted me another valuable experience," Liu said.
Liu was a member of China's winning squad at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and took silver in mixed doubles with Xu Xin at Tokyo 2020. She also claimed the women's singles title at the 2019 World Championships in Budapest.
At the Shaanxi National Games in 2021, Liu also won the mixed doubles title with Xu. One year later, Liu and India's Sharath Kamal Achanta were elected as joint International Table Tennis Federation Athletes' Commission chairs.
With more responsibilities in global table tennis development, Liu kept making contribution to her beloved sport.
"I participated in one tournament each year on average, including last year's National Championships. I started to prepare for the National Games about four months ago. As the Games progressed, I gradually adjusted myself to the best condition," Liu said.
For her, it is always the best moment to meet old friends and fans on the court. The 15th National Games co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao gave her an extra motivation to compete at home.
"It's hard to imagine this is my sixth National Games," Liu remarked. "Where is the limit of a female athlete? I am still trying to find my value and explore more within and beyond table tennis." ■
