Wang Hao wins men's table tennis World Cup for third time

Wang Hao wins men's table tennis World Cup for third time

China's Wang Hao poses for a photograph with his trophy after winning his third men's table tennis World Cup title in Magdeburg, Germany, Oct 31, 2010.

MAGDEBURG, Germany - Two-time World Cup winner Chinese player Wang Hao welcomed his third men's World Cup on Sunday after beating Chinese rising star Zhang jike 4-1 in 2010 Men's World Cup held in German city Magdeburg from Oct 29 to 31.

Zhang won the first set by 11-8, and then Wang regained four points by 11-8, 12-10, 11-9 and 11-9. In the third and fourth set, Wang levelled the game from 7-10 and 7-9 by gaining straight points.

In the fifth set, after a draw of 7-7, Wang made progress without looking back and locked the victory at 11-9.

"After I got a Championship in the World Table Tennis Championships last year, I haven't got any Championship in Men's matches. This victory will improve my mental state and feeling during the competition." Wang said at the press conference after the competition.

"This means I have regained my previous good feelings. This is the most important thing." He added.

Chinese coach Wu Jingping also praised Wang and Zhang's performance in the competition. "I am very satisfied, I think this competition improved their confidence both." Wu said.

"Especially for Zhang Jike. He was left behind by Jun Mizutani by 3 to 0, then he reversed the whole match. This is a very important experience for him in the future growth." Wu said.

"Wang Hao also played against Oh Sang Eun here this time. It is very good for us to know about our competitors before the Asian Game." Wu said.

Zhang nailed one position in finals after a breathtaking victory against Jun from Japan on Sunday, while Wang defeated Oh from South Korea in quarter finals and Timo Boll from Germany in semi finals to win the seat in finals.

Wang Hao has hold the men's World Cup in 2005 and 2008 after defeating Timo Boll from Germany and Ryu Seung Min from South Korea separately.

The men's World Cup is a top level annual competition recognized by ITTF, held in different cities around the world. Now China has won the cup for 17 times since it was first held in Hong Kong in 1980.
(Xinhua)

Read More

China enjoys strong start at Moscow table tennis team worlds

China enjoys strong start at Moscow table tennis team worlds

Liu Shiwen of China returns the ball to Mirela Durak of Croatia during their women's team group A second round match at the 50th World Team Table Tennis Championships in Moscow, capital of Russia, May 24, 2010. Liu won 3-0 and China won 3-0.

Guo Yan of China returns the ball to Tamara Boros of Croatia during the women's team group A second round match between China and Croatia at the 50th World Team Table Tennis Championships in Moscow, capital of Russia, May 24, 2010. Guo won 3-0 and China won 3-0.

Li Xiaoxia of China returns the ball to Andrea Bakula of Croatia during the women's team group A second round match between China and Croatia at the 50th World Team Table Tennis Championships in Moscow, capital of Russia, May 24, 2010. Li won 3-1 and China won 3-0.
(Xinhua)

Read More

Charity table tennis competition held in SW China

Charity table tennis competition held in SW China

Shakehand player, Germany's Timo Boll returns a shot against China's Ma Lin, a Penhold player, during a table tennis charity competition between the Shakehand team and the Penhold team in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 14, 2010.

Penhold player, China's Ma Lin returns a shot against Germany's Timo Boll, a Shakehand player, during a table tennis charity competition between the Shakehand team and the Penhold team in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 14, 2010.

Penhold player, China's Ma Lin returns a shot against Germany's Timo Boll, a Shakehand player, during a table tennis charity competition between the Shakehand team and the Penhold team in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 14, 2010.

Shakehand player, Germany's Timo Boll returns a shot against China's Ma Lin, a Penhold player, during a table tennis charity competition between the Shakehand team and the Penhold team in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 14, 2010.

Penhold player, China's Ma Lin returns a shot against Germany's Timo Boll, a Shakehand player, during a table tennis charity competition between the Shakehand team and the Penhold team in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 14, 2010.

Penhold player, South Korea's Rye Seung-min returns a shot against China's Wang Liqin, a Shakehand player, during a table tennis charity competition between the Shakehand team and the Penhold team in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 14, 2010.

Penhold player, China's Wang Hao returns a shot against his compatriot Ma Long, a Shakehand player, during a table tennis charity competition between the Shakehand team and the Penhold team in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 14, 2010.

Penhold player, China's Wang Hao returns a shot against his compatriot Ma Long, a Shakehand player, during a table tennis charity competition between the Shakehand team and the Penhold team in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 14, 2010.

Shakehand player, China's Ma Long returns a shot against his compatriot Wang Hao, a Penhold player, during a table tennis charity competition between the Shakehand team and the Penhold team in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 14, 2010.

Shakehand player, China's Wang Liqin returns a shot against South Korea's Rye Seung-min, a Penhold player, during a table tennis charity competition between the Shakehand team and the Penhold team in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 14, 2010.
(Xinhua)

Read More

Table tennis stars present draw ceremony for 2009 Tournament of Champions

Table tennis stars present draw ceremony for 2009 Tournament of Champions

China's Ma Lin (L) and Denmark's Michael Maze shake hands during the draw ceremony for 2009 Tournament of Champions of Table Tennis in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, Dec. 18, 2009. The two-day tournament will begin on Dec. 19.

Denmark's Michael Maze (R) and Jiang Huajun of China's Hong Kong are seen on the red carpet for 2009 Tournament of Champions of Table Tennis in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, Dec. 18, 2009.

Japan's Mizutani Jun (R) and Singapore's Wang Yuegu are seen on the red carpet for 2009 Tournament of Champions of Table Tennis in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, Dec. 18, 2009.

Belarus's Vladimir Samsonov (L) and Germany's Dimitrij Ovtcharov shake hands during the draw ceremony for 2009 Tournament of Champions of Table Tennis in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, Dec. 18, 2009. The two-day tournament will begin on Dec. 19.

China's Guo Yan (R) and Jiang Huajun of Hong Kong of China react during the draw ceremony for 2009 Tournament of Champions of Table Tennis in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, Dec. 18, 2009.
(Xinhua)

Read More

China beats Japan 4-3 in men's table tennis

China beats Japan 4-3 in men's table tennis

Yoshida Kaii of Japan returns the ball during the quarterfinal of men's singles against Zhang Jike of China in Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009. Zhang won .

Zhang Jike of China reacts during the quarterfinal of men's singles against Yoshida Kaii of Japan in Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009. Zhang won 4-3.
(Xinhua/Zhang Chen)

Read More

Chinese Taipei wins China's Hong Kong in men's table tennis

Chinese Taipei wins China's Hong Kong in men's table tennis

Chiang Hung-Chieh of Chinese Taipei returns the ball during the quarterfinal of men's singles against Li Ching of China's Hong Kong in Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009. Chiang Hung-Chieh won 4-1.

Li Ching of China's Hong Kong returns the ball during the quarterfinal of men's singles against Chiang Hung-Chieh of Chinese Taipei in Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009. Chiang Hung-Chieh won 4-1.

Chiang Hung-Chieh of Chinese Taipei returns the ball during the quarterfinal of men's singles against Li Ching of China's Hong Kong in Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009. Chiang Hung-Chieh won 4-1.
(Xinhua/Zhang Chen)

Read More

Chinese teenage paddler Liu triumphs at World Cup

Chinese teenage paddler Liu triumphs at World Cup

China's Liu Shiwen celebrates scoring during the final against her teammate
Guo Yue at the 2009 Women's Table Tennis World Cup in Guangzhou, capital of
south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 12, 2009. Liu claimed the title by 4-3.




GUANGZHOU, South China, Oct. 12 -- Chinese teenager Liu Shiwen upset her
compatriot Guo Yue, Yokohama worlds' runner-up, to lift the trophy of 2009
women's table tennis World Cup here Monday.



China won all the medals on offer.



It took Liu Shiwen a few more than an hour to beat Guo Yue 11-5,9-11, 7-11,
12-10, 11-3, 3-11, 11-3 in a tit-for-tat final.



The 18-year-old Liu, who brought home a bronze medal from the world
championships in Yokohama, started well by taking the opening set. Guo responded
to win the second and third sets, depending on her aggressive attacks.

China's Liu Shiwen returns the ball against her teammate Guo Yue during the
final at the 2009 Women's Table Tennis World Cup in Guangzhou, capital of south
China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 12, 2009. Liu claimed the title by 4-3.



In the fourth set, the two levelled at 10-10, but the next two points all went
to Liu.



Liu continued her performance by taking seven straight points in the fifth after
leading at 3-2 and won it 11-3. The more experienced Guo dominated the sixth
set. In the decisive set, Liu hit her form and sealed the victory with 11-3.



In the semifinals, Liu beat her compatriot and defending champion Li Xiaoxia
13-15, 11-8, 16-14, 11-9, 11-9, following Guo Yue's 11-8, 5-11, 12-10, 8-11,
11-6, 11-8 revenge on Feng Tianwei of Singapore, who ousted Guo in the
quarterfinals of World Cup last year.



Earlier on Monday, Li Xiaoxia beat Feng Tianwei 11-6, 11-9, 11-9, 14-12 for a
bronze.



The 2009 women's table tennis World Cup, one of the table tennis "grand slam"
events, attracted 19 players from 13 countries and regions.

China's Liu Shiwen returns the ball to her teammate Guo Yue at the 2009
Women's Table Tennis World Cup in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong
Province, Oct. 12, 2009. Liu claimed the title by 4-3.

(Xinhua)

Read More

Quarter-final match at 2009 Women's World Cup

Quarter-final match at 2009 Women's World Cup

Li Xiaoxia of China returns the ball during the quarter-final match against
Li Jiao of the Netherlands at the 2009 Women's World Cup in Guangzhou, capital
of south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 11, 2009. Li Xiaoxia won 4-1.

Feng Tianwei of Singapore returns the ball during the quarter-final match
against Park Mi Young of South Korea at the 2009 Women's World Cup in Guangzhou,
capital of south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 11, 2009. Feng Tianwei won
4-2.

Feng Tianwei of Singapore returns the ball during the quarter-final match
against Park Mi Young of South Korea at the 2009 Women's World Cup in Guangzhou,
capital of south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 11, 2009. Feng Tianwei won
4-2.

Park Mi Young of South Korea returns the ball during the quarter-final match
against Feng Tianwei of Singapore at the 2009 Women's World Cup in Guangzhou,
capital of south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 11, 2009. Park Mi Young lost
2-4.

Liu Shiwen of China returns the ball during the quarter-final match against
Kim Kyung-ah of South Korea at the 2009 Women's World Cup in Guangzhou, capital
of south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 11, 2009. Liu won 4-0.

Guo Yue of China reacts during the quarter-final match against Liu Jia of
Austria at the 2009 Women's World Cup in Guangzhou, capital of south China's
Guangdong Province, Oct. 11, 2009. Guo won 4-2.

Guo Yue of China returns the ball during the quarter-final match against Liu
Jia of Austria at the 2009 Women's World Cup in Guangzhou, capital of south
China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 11, 2009. Guo won 4-2.

(Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

Read More

Thousands of people play table tennis next to Bird's Nest

Thousands of people play table tennis next to Bird's Nest

Former Olympic table tennis gold medalist Deng Yaping plays table tennis during the opening ceremony for the 7th National Fitness Festival of Beijing held next to the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, June 20, 2009. Thousands of people played table tennis in the "Harmony Cup" show

people play table tennis during the opening ceremony for the 7th National Fitness Festival of Beijing held next to the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, June 20, 2009. Thousands of people played table tennis in the "Harmony Cup" show.

People play table tennis during the opening ceremony for the 7th National Fitness Festival of Beijing held next to the National Aquatics Center, also known as Water Cube, in Beijing, China, June 20, 2009. Thousands of people played table tennis in the "Harmony Cup" show.

Several handicapped players participate in the table tennis show during the opening ceremony for the 7th National Fitness Festival of Beijing held next to the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, June 20, 2009. Thousands of people played table tennis in the "Harmony Cup" show.

Read More

China's Guo Yue wins 22nd Asian Cup women's singles championship

China's Guo Yue wins 22nd Asian Cup women's singles championship

China's Guo Yue reacts during the awarding ceremony for the final of women's singles at the 22nd Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 21, 2009. Guo Yue claimed the title by winning over her compatriot Liu Shiwen 4-0.

China's Guo Yue serves against her compatriot Liu Shiwen during the final of women's singles at the 22nd Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 21, 2009.

China's Liu Shiwen acts against her compatriot Guo Yue during the final of women's singles at the 22nd Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 21, 2009.

China's Guo Yue reacts after scoring against her compatriot Liu Shiwen during the final of women's singles at the 22nd Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 21, 2009.

Read More

China's Ma Long wins 22nd Asian Cup men's singles championship

China's Ma Long wins 22nd Asian Cup men's singles championship

China's Ma Long reacts during the awarding ceremony for the final of men's singles at the 22nd Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 21, 2009. Ma Long won the title after beating his compatriot Wang Hao 4-3.

HANGZHOU, East China, May 21 -- Chinese sensation Ma Long nailed down newly crowned world champion Wang Hao to lift the trophy of the men's singles here Thursday as China pocketed all the medals on offer at the Asian Cup table tennis tournament.

The 20-year-old Ma, whose world ranking raised to the second after losing only to Wang Hao and leaving Yokohama with a bronze medal, pulled himself together after losing the opening set in the world championship semifinal rematch and managed a further comeback from 2-3 down to win the final in full sets.

China's Wang Hao reacts during the awarding ceremony for the final of men's singles at the 22nd Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 21, 2009.

It took Ma Long a few more than an hour to beat the 25-year-old Wang Hao, who had won for nine times out of fourteen meetings against Ma before Thursday night's Asian Cup final, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7.

Ma's title is the 37th won by a Chinese as the continental event, initiated by the Asian Table Tennis Union in 1983, have produced all together 44 gold medals of both men's and women's singles in 22 editions.

China's Wang Hao acts against his compatriot Ma Long during the final of men's singles at the 22nd Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 21, 2009.

On the women's part, the Yokohama worlds' runner-up Guo Yue defended her Asian Cup title after wrapping up a straight-set victory over compatriot Liu Shiwen, born in 1990s, winning 11-4, 11-9, 11-4, 11-4.

Earlier on Thursday, another Chinese teenager Ding Ning, who won a silver of the women's doubles at the Yokohama worlds, beat Hong Kong veteran Tie Yana 11-6, 11-7, 11-7, 11-7 for a bronze, while China's national title holder Zhang Jike eased past Japan's doubles specialist Seiya Kishikawa 11-5, 9-11, 11-4, 11-6, 16-14 to finish on the men's podium.

The 60,000 U.S. dollars Asian Cup attracted 16 men's and as many women's players from nine Asian teams, namingly China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong of China, Chinese Taipei, Singapore, India, Thailand and Iran.

China's Ma Long acts against his compatriot Wang Hao during the final of men's singles at the 22nd Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 21, 2009.

China's Wang Hao acts against his compatriot Ma Long during the final of men's singles at the 22nd Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 21, 2009.
(Xinhua)

Read More

China's Liu beat Ding at 22th Asian Cup women's semifinal

China's Liu beat Ding at 22th Asian Cup women's semifinal

Liu Shiwen of China returns the ball during the women's semifinal match against China's Ding Ning at the 22th Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 20, 2009. Liu won the match 4-1.

Liu Shiwen of China returns the ball during the women's semifinal match against China's Ding Ning at the 22th Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 20, 2009.

Ding Ning of China reacts during the women's semifinal match against China's Liu Shiwen at the 22th Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 20, 2009. Ding lost the match 1-4.

Read More