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Chinese table tennis player Ding Ning battles with Japan’s Ito Mima during the team finals at 2017 Asian Table Tennis Championships on April 11. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn] |
China's women's team overcame their Japanese rivals 3-0 to take home the first gold of the 2017 Asian Table Tennis Championships, in Wuxi on April 10.
Chinese women's team coach Kong Linghui sent out his strongest roster with Liu Shiwen, Ding Ning and Zhu Yuling, taking on Japan's trio of 16-year-olds Hirano Miu, Ito Mima and Hayata Hina.
World Cup Champions Liu Shiwen and Hirano Miu had an intense opening game, with Liu countering Hirano's fierce offense to win 3-1.
Ding Ning swept Ito Mima 3-0 to put the Chinese team in a strong position to close out the match.
In the final round, Zhu Yuling overcame Hayata Hina 3-1, securing China its first gold medal of the tournament.
Speaking after the match, Kong praised his team as well their young Japanese opponents.
"We will keep striving to win every match to prepare for the final battle against Japan in the Tokyo Olympics in three years' time," Kong said.
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China women's table tennis team holds up the trophy at the award ceremony for the team finals of 2017 Asian Table Tennis Championships. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn] |
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China women's team table tennis players pose for a selfie after taking gold in the team finals on April 11. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn] |
