Busan, February 23, 2024, The Europe Today: In an exciting turn of events at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals, China and Japan emerged victorious in the semifinals on Friday, securing their places in the women’s team final for the fifth consecutive time.
China secured a commanding 3-0 win over France, while Japan triumphed over Hong Kong, China, also with a 3-0 victory, setting the stage for an intense showdown in the upcoming final.
In the opening match of the China vs. France encounter, premier paddler Sun Yingsha showcased her prowess by breaking a 5-all tie, securing a crucial lead at 11-5 against the 19-year-old Prithika Pavade. Despite Pavade’s resilient efforts, Sun maintained her composure, winning the match with a decisive forehand.
Chen Meng extended China’s lead by defeating France’s top player, Yuan Jianan, 3-1. Wang Yidi sealed China’s victory with an 11-2 win in the third game against 18-year-old Charlotte Lutz.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s final, Chen Meng expressed optimism, stating, “I hope that we can display China’s greatest strength.”
In the Japan vs. Hong Kong, China matchup, Doo Hoi Kem took the first two games, but 15-year-old Miwa Harimoto’s strong comeback shifted the momentum in Japan’s favor. Hina Hayata and Miu Hirano secured Japan’s place in the final with impressive performances.
On the men’s side, hosts South Korea, led by Lim Jong-hoon, secured two wins and advanced to the semifinals, where they will challenge reigning champions China.
Meanwhile, Chinese Taipei pulled off an upset by defeating Germany in straight sets. Lin Yun-ju and Kao Cheng-jui played pivotal roles in securing the victory, eliminating the silver medalists from the previous two championships.
“We didn’t think that we could win. Germany is a really strong team, and we are really happy that we can win the match,” said the eighth-ranked Lin Yun-ju.
The stage is set for an exhilarating weekend of table tennis as the world’s top teams vie for supremacy at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals.
