Wang, Lin move into ITTF World Cup knockout stage
11 paddlers from Team China moved into the ITTF World Cup knockout stage on Wednesday, as Wang Chuqin and Lin Gaoyuan revived from the opening day by registered a 4-0 victory.
With an innovative tournament format, 48 players were divided into 16 groups in the round-robin group stage, matches were played over four games, and group rankings are based on win-loss ratio. The top player from each of the 16 groups will advance to the knockout stage.
Sun Yingsha of China hits a return during the women's singles match against Chen Szu-Yu of Chinese Taipei at the ITTF World Cup Macao 2024 at Galaxy Arena in Macao, China, April 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
World No. 1 Wang Chuqin and eighth-ranked Lin Gaoyuan failed to start the tournament on the right foot as they only settled for a 2-2 tie on Monday, leaving their knockout stage hope hanging by a thread.
However, the Chinese duo bounced back as Wang swept Kirill Gerassimenko aside 4-0, while Lin also played out the same scoreline against veteran Chuang Chih-Yuan from Chinese Taipei.
"The first matchday was really tough, but I think it is a precious test I should experience, seeing whether I can fight back," Wang said.
Ma Long, Liang Jingkun and Lin Shidong finished the group stage with a perfect record after winning all the eight sets, while Fan Zhendong also book the top-16 spot with two consecutive victories, 4-0, 3-1.
On women's part, defending champion Chen Meng saw off Indian paddler Sreeja Akula 3-1. After the game, Chen said that the Indian team has a variety of special playing styles. "My teammates have also faced them before, so overall, we have increased our attention."
Chen joined Sun Yingsha, Wang Manyu, Wang Yidi and Chen Xingtong to advance into the last 16, leaving Kuai Man the only player from China missing the knockout stage as she shared the spoils with Jeon Jihee at 2-2, but was still eliminated by the South Korean due to an inferior point-difference.