Top seeds China stood tall as champions, overwhelming Japan with an emphatic 8-1 victory at the ITTF World Mixed Team table tennis championships in Chengdu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was their third consecutive title while Germany grabbed a dramatic bronze medal, defeating Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the mixed doubles, Wang Chuqin-Sun Yingsha set the tone in ruthless fashion. They did not allow any room to the Japanese duo of Sora Matsushima-Satsuki Odo. The Chinese pair swept them aside 3-0, their relentless attacking play leaving no space for passive exchanges. Matsushima-Odo were not poor, but Chuqin-Yingsha were simply unyielding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wang Manyu followed for China in the women\u2019s singles, extending her perfect record against Miwa Harimoto. The contest quickly became one-sided, as Harimoto\u2019s attempt to target Manyu\u2019s wide forehand and midsection fell flat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Manyu anticipated every move, using her forehand to stay on the front foot and dismantle Harimoto\u2019s plan. With no alternative strategy, Harimoto\u2019s inexperience showed. The teenager cut a sorry figure as her errors multiplied from the second game onwards, as she looked on helplessly to the Japanese bench to no avail. Wang closed it out without hesitation, sealing another 3-0 win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lin Shidong then captured the crowd\u2019s imagination with a performance that will be remembered. Facing Japan\u2019s Tomokazu Harimoto, who had beaten him five times in six meetings, Shidong looked under pressure after losing the opening game 6-11. But the atmosphere in Chengdu lifted him, and he responded with brilliance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Known for possessing the finest backhand in the sport, Shidong unleashed it with devastating effect. Games two and three became his showcase, as he tore through Harimoto 11-5 and 11-6, striking backhands from mid distance that drew gasps from the stands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The achievement was remarkable, as Harimoto\u2019s close-to-the-table style has often denied Lin the space for his full backswing. This time Shidong adapted, shortening his motion and channelling power through his legs and forearm to break Harimoto\u2019s gameplan. Shidong roared in victory as he sealed the final point, proudly pointing to the Chinese flag on his chest as the crowd rose as one in applause, celebrating both his brilliance and China\u2019s triumph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n