The star-studded Chinese men's team whitewashed South Korea 3-0 to storm
into table tennis team final at the Beijing Olympic Games yesterday.
The all-conquering trio of Ma Lin, Wang Hao, Wang Liqin eased past underdog
South Korea 3-2, 3-1, 3-0 in straight sets in less than two hours.
Four-time World Cup winner Ma Lin was made to sweat in his clash with
15th-ranked Oh Sang Eun who fought hammer and tongs to lead the match but was
denied 2-3 (8-11, 11-7, 12-10, 11-13, 5-11).
On the heels of Ma's advantage, world number one Wang Hao, 24, displayed
unusual sangfroid to demolish reigning Olympic champion Ryu Seung-min 3-1 with
Wang's every winning shot bringing cheers from frenzied home crowd.
Four years ago in Athens, Ryu Seung-min beat the then rising star Wang Hao in
the final to clinch the most coveted singles title, a pity that China smarted
over time and again.
Wang Liqin/Wang Hao blanketed Yoon Jae Young/OH Sang Eun 3-0 in the
tiebreaker before locking China's 3-0 victory.
"I have prepared well for the difficultities that may crop up in the
tournament. I never lost to Ryu since the Athens Games and was confident of
wining the game," Wang Hao said.
"I managed to hold my nerves and control the competition rhythem while
confronting Ryu and paired well with Wang Liqin in the tiebreaker," he added.
"I play better as the tournament wents on. Compared with the singles event, I
was under greater pressure during the team event. Today, I did not bring out my
best and I accept to result," Ryu said.
As to Germany, Wang Liqin said that German squad is strong in over-all
capability and China need to prepare well for the showdown.
"No matter how tough the battle will be, I believe that China will prevail,"
a determined Wang said.
Earlier on Saturday, European powerhouse Germany stormed over Japan 3-2 in a
prolonged showdown to book a place in the men's table tennis team final.
The 210-minute clash was proved to be a tit-for-tat confrontation with
players in both sides fight to their maximum ability to lead the match.
China will face Germany in the team final slated for Monday.
South Korea will take on Hong Kong, China while Japan will meet Austria
Sunday on their way to scramble for the bronze medal.
The table tennis tournament, held in the 8,000-seat stadium in Peking
University, is scheduled to last 11 days starting from Aug. 13.
