Wang Nan/Zhang Yining retain women's doubles title at worlds
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-05-07 10:09

Defending champions Wang Nan/Zhang Yining retained the women's doubles gold medal by sweeping aside younger teammates Guo Yue/Niu Jianfeng 4-1 at the 48th world table tennis championships here on Friday.

Wang/Zhang, Olympic champions and ranked 1-2 in the world singles rankings, didn't leave many chances to second-seeded Guo/Niu, lifting the trophy 4-1 (11-4, 11-5, 10-12, 11-9, 11-5).

With a perfect start, Wang/Zhang didn't meet strong challenge and only conceded the third set after wasting two set points.

It is Wang's fourth straight world doubles title, twice with now retired Li Ju and as many with Zhang.

"We played over the top," said the 27-year-old Wang. "Usually we had poor results against Guo/Niu within the national team. Maybe they are too young and too anxious to win."

Guo/Niu had defeated Wang/Zhang once at the ITTF Pro Tour Finals in 2003, but they were the losers at the Pairs worlds two years ago as well as in the Athens Olympic Games.

"It's my fifth worlds and I've experienced too much, happiness and sorrow. I was in a low after my early defeats in singles and mixed doubles, but everything is gone now," said Wang, who suffered a 3-4 upset to South Korea's Moon Hyun Jung in the third round and 3-4 to teammates Qiu Yike/Cao Zhen in the mixed doubles quarterfinals.

With a doubles gold to her credit, Wang has tied legendary Deng Yaping's record of 18 major trophies from worlds, World Cup and Olympic Games.

"I've never thought about any record or surpassing someone. What impressed me most is not the gold, but the 10,001 roses which my supporters sent to me this morning. I'm so honored," Wang said.

Wang hinted the Shanghai worlds might be her swansong in major international event. "I will compete in the National Games in October and I will think about retirement," she said.

Zhang also gave thumbs up to Wang. "She has been a role model for years. The gold is a prefect ending for her," Zhang said.

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China claims gold clean sweep at table tennis worlds Kong, Wang win men's doubles at 48th World Table Tennis Championship China wins table tennis mixed doubles

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