HAIKOU, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Team China had a strong start at the Asian Cup as all 12 paddlers including Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha claimed victories in the first round of group stage here on Wednesday.
Running from Wednesday to Sunday, the Asian Cup in Haikou, Hainan Province consists of men's singles and women's singles events. The group stage adopts a round-robin format with 32 players divided into eight groups in each event, and the top two players in each group will advance to the knockout stage.
Men's singles world No.1 Wang of China breezed past India's Akash Pal in straight games 11-3, 11-9, 11-5 in his first appearance on the international stage this year.
"I am basically satisfied with my performance today, but not good enough. I should focus more on details in following matches," Wang reflected.
Lin Shidong, who was born in Hainan Province, marked his first competition in his hometown by beating India's Snehit Suravajjula 11-1, 11-9, 11-4.
"As the host of such a high-level event, Hainan is showing its sports vitality. I am delighted to see table tennis getting popular here," Lin said.
In the women's singles, world No.1 Sun returned to the court after having spent over a month recuperating from an ankle injury, who swept Chinese Taipei's Yeh Yi-tian 11-8, 11-3, 11-7.
Sun, 25, was excited to come back from injury while telling herself not to be over-anxious. "I need to gradually adjust and reach my best form," she said after the opener.
Defending champion Wang Manyu of China was not much challenged as well, as she defeated Li Yu-Jhun of Chinese Taipei 11-2, 11-6, 11-8.
Other paddlers from Team China Chen Junsong, Xiang Peng, Zhou Qihao, Chen Yuanyu, Kuai Man, Chen Xingtong, Wang Yidi and Chen Yi also secured victories on the first matchday. ■
