Hurricane Hirano leaves China in spin

Japanese teenager Miu Hirano celebrates her victory at the 2017 Asian Table Tennis Championships on April 15, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Having coached top-ranked Japanese woman Kasumi Ishikawa for six years, he began to work with Hirano and other promising youngsters in October, 2015.

"To tell the truth, we've been learning from the Chinese team, as always, since they are the leading force in the game," said Wang.

"China has sent so many table tennis coaches and professionals to Japan, helping them develop, though it's my own choice to work there.

"I think it's fair to say that a Japanese paddler's success must have something to do with the Chinese," he added.

Hirano, who won the women's World Cup last year in China's absence, agreed that Chinese influence had played a big part in her success, especially the experience of playing in the Chinese Super League last year.

"Table tennis has gone beyond the borders of countries," added Wang.

"Players from different associations help each other to improve, while people and countries communicate through the sport."

Meanwhile, China's head coach Kong Linghui and runner-up Chen could only sing Hirano's praises, admitting their team has some catching up to do.

"She improved a lot in the past a few years. I can clearly see it through her game," said Chen.