Wang Hao downs Rye in opener

Chinese World Cup winner Wang Hao extended his winning record over Olympic champion Rye Seung-min on Friday night, beating the South Korean 4-1 in the first-round duel at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Pro Tour Grand Finals in Beijing.

After losing the first set 9-11, Wang soon gained the upper hand to take the second set 11-1 and then the rest of the match 11-7, 11-9, 11-3.

"Wang played very well tonight, and he is now the world's best player," the Athens Olympic champion Rye said after the match. "I am not in my best form now, and I will try to focus on my preparations for next year's Games."