Bhubaneswar, October 14:
China once again showcased its steely resolve as world No. 1 Wang Chuqin produced a stunning comeback to steer his team into the final of the 28th ITTF-ATTU Asian Team Championships at the Athletics Centre, Kalinga Stadium. Despite a spirited challenge from Japan, led by Tomokazu Harimoto, China eventually won 3-2.
World No. 4 Harimoto stunned world No. 2 Lin Shidong in the opening rubber before Sora Matsushima edged past Wang in a gripping five-game duel, giving Japan a 2–0 lead. China found its lifeline in the third rubber as Lin Shidong clawed one back, and Wang leveled the tie at 2–2. In the decider, Wang’s precision and composure clinched victory.
Hong Kong vs Chinese Taipei
Hong Kong (China) edged out Chinese Taipei 3–2 in a thrilling men’s team semifinal. Wong Chun Ting and Chan Baldwin led the team to victory, highlighting their growing confidence and composure under pressure.
Salvage for Men
India’s men’s team concluded in sixth place after losing 0–3 to Republic of Korea in the second classification match, following a 3–2 win against DPR Korea. Youngsters Snehit Suravajjula and Payas Jain played, while seniors Manush Shah and Ankur Bhattacharjee were rested.
Manav Thakkar lost 1–3 to Oh Junsung, Snehit Suravajjula fell to Park Gyuhyeon, and Payas Jain lost to An Jaehyun after a strong fight.
Relegation for Women
India’s women’s team finished eighth after a 2–3 loss to Hong Kong and will be relegated to Division One. Debutants Swastika Ghosh and Dia Chitale impressed with wins, but Yashaswini Ghorpade and Swastika Ghosh lost crucial matches.
Earlier, India fell 1–3 to DPR Korea, led by Kim Kum Yong. Manika Batra, Dia Chitale, and Yashaswini Ghorpade had mixed performances, with Manika’s walkover contributing to the final result.
Semifinal Results
- Men: China bt Japan 3-2; Hong Kong bt Chinese Taipei 3-2
- Women: Japan bt Singapore 3-0; China bt Republic of Korea 3-0
Positions 5–8
- Men: India bt DPR Korea 3-2; Republic of Korea bt India 3-0 → India finished 6th
- Women: India lost to DPR Korea 1-3; India lost to Hong Kong 2-3 → India finished 8th