China make clean sweep

Powerhouse China made a clean sweep of titles at the 19th Asian Table Tennis Championship, clinching top spots in all five individual categories besides bagging the team titles, at the UP Badminton Academy Hall on Sunday.

Powerhouse China made a clean sweep of titles at the 19th Asian Table Tennis Championship, clinching top spots in all five individual categories besides bagging the team titles, at the UP Badminton Academy Hall on Sunday.

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World No. 2 and ace paddler Ma Long won a golden double, winning the men’s singles and doubles titles, while in the women’s category, compatriot Ding Ning bagged both the crowns.

Contrary to expectations, the men’s singles final turned out to be a one-sided affair as Long outplayed 19th ranked Zhang Jike 4-2 after taking a 3-0 lead.

Before playing the singles final, Long, pairing with Xu Xin, won the doubles title, brushing aside country-mates Wang Liqin and Jike 4-0. In the women’s final, World No. 9 Ding Ning rallied from 0-1 deficit to prevail over higher ranked opponent LI Xiaoxia (4th) in the most exciting encounter of the day.

Earlier, Ding claimed the doubles title.

Pairing with Li Xiaoxia, the duo dropped second and fourth games before winning 4-2.