China

China into table tennis's quarters

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-11-30 08:55

After sweeping aside all the rivals on Wednesday, the Chinese men's and women's table tennis teams both reached the team quarterfinals at the Asian Games.

Ma Lin of China table tennis squad wins over rival of Yemen 3-1 in the first round match to reach the quarterfinals at the Asian Games November 29,2006.[Xinhua]

Hong Kong of China sent both teams into the last eight too, with its women beating Vietnam and Kuwait and the men's side overcoming Bahrain and Macao of China.

Chinese paddlers proved themselves too strong for their opponents as they lost only one set in both the men's and women's matches.

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Ma Lin gave up a set to India's Subhajit Saha Wednesday evening, but summed up himself to win 3-11, 11-4, 13-11, 11-1.

"It's not surprising at all since everybody could lose concentration," said the four-time World Cup winner who plays all four events here - the men's team, singles, doubles and the mixed doubles.

"My opponent is not strong and I lost a set because of my own mistakes," added Ma.

The Chinese women's team didn't break a sweat on the opening day of table tennis competition, but they are expected to meet real challenge from the Hong Kong side in their final group clash on Thursday.

Chinese women's head coach Shi Zhihao said that his players had an easy day as they beat Kuwait and Vietnam in straight sets.

"Real challenge will come tomorrow," Shi said after Guo Yue, Li Xiaoxia and Guo Yan trashed Vietnam in 46 minutes.

Earlier, the Chinese trio of Wang Nan, Chen Qing and Li Xiaoxiao had beaten Kuwait 3-0.

Shi said he didn't feel pressure from Hong Kong, runner-up to China in the 2006 world team championships.

"I don't feel heat, since the top two finishers from the group will both advance to the next phrase," he said.

Japan and South Korea have qualified for the women's quarter-finals from Group C, while the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Singapore joined the women's last eight from the three-team Group D.

The other Group D team Macao has been shown the door out after losing two matches.

In the men's play, Japan booked a quarter-final berth by winning two Group A matches.

Chinese Taipei rallied to a 3-1 win over Singapore with Chiang Peng-lung finishing as the sole loser of the team, beaten by Gao Ning 8-11, 15-13, 11-4, 11-5.