World TT: China on course for eighth straight title

The Chinese men’s table tennis team moved within one match of clinching its eighth straight world championship title after brushing aside South Korea 3-0 here on Saturday.

World number one Ma Long defeated Jung Youngsik easily 11-7, 11-5 and 11-8.

The Chinese men’s table tennis team moved within one match of clinching its eighth straight world championship title after brushing aside South Korea 3-0 here on Saturday.

Xu Xin drew first blood for China by beating Lee Sangsu 8-11, 11-2, 11-7 and 11-5 in the semi-final clash, reports Xinhua.

Ma Long, the current world No.1, defeated Jung Youngsik easily 11-7, 11-5 and 11-8 in the second rubber, while Zhang Jike overcame Jang Woojin 7-11, 11-4, 11-9 and 12-10 to end matters.

Beaten twice by Jang during the 2015 Asian Championships, Zhang gained sweet revenge this time.

“I have predicted that the South Korean team would send Jang to play in this match, and I assigned Zhang to fight with Jang on purpose, giving him an opportunity to defeat his old opponent and regain confidence,” said Liu Guoliang, head coach of the Chinese team.

“I really appreciate the coach for offering me the opportunity to beat Jang in the world championships. It’s very good for me to build my confidence,” Zhang said.