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May 21, 2013

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Home » Sports » Table Tennis

Zhang wins, historic first for Chinese Taipei

CHINESE Taipei claimed an historic first world title as the pairing of Chuang Chih-Yuan and Chen Chien-An won the men's doubles at the table tennis World Championships in Paris on Sunday.

Also, defending champion Zhang Jike clinched the men's singles title last night, beating compatriot Wang Hao.

Zhang won 11-7, 11-8, 6-11, 14-12, 5-11, 11-7 in a rematch of last year's London Olympic final. It was China's fifth successive men's singles title at the worlds.

Zhang outplayed Wang to win the gold medal at the London Olympic Games.

China's Li Xiaoxia paired with Guo Yue to win the women's doubles yesterday to add to her singles title. Li, the Olympic champion, claimed her second title in two days by beating Ding Ning/Liu Shiwen 5-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-5, 11-7.

On Saturday, Chuang and Chen defeated Chinese duo Ma Lin and Hao Shuai 9-11, 12-10, 11-6, 13-11, 9-11, 11-8 to secure the maiden world crown.

Chinese Taipei's previous best result at the event had been a silver medal won by Chen Jing in the women's singles 20 years ago.

"This is the first time in our history, so this is a good result," said Chuang, the world No. 6.

"We played well and did very well tactically, both serving and receiving."

Chuang was also full of praise for his playing partner Chen. "I think (he) is a very tactical player, he's powerful and I play well with him," he said.

Veteran Chinese star Ma Lin, the 2008 Olympic singles gold medallist and a four-time World Cup winner, admitted the Taipei pair were worthy winners.

"(Their) team is a very good one, so it's not a surprise we lost," said Ma, who partnered Chen Qi to doubles glory in 2007. Hao struck a similar chord, saying: "We did well today but our opponents did better than us."

The 34-year-old Ma, who was appearing in his ninth and final World Championships, also announced his impending plans to retire from the Chinese team.

"After this championship I think will quit the national team of China because at my age I have to rethink my career and my life. But for now I don't have any exact information. I don't have the exact plans. I will tell the media when I get more information."

Li Xiaoxia claimed her maiden world championship title to complete a career grand slam after defeating compatriot Liu Shiwen in an enthralling final.

Runner-up to Ding Ning in 2011 and four years earlier to Guo Yue, Li went one step further in the French capital with an 11-8, 4-11, 11-7, 12-10, 6-11, 13-11 victory. Liu was playing in her first final.



 

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