Olympics: China wins gold, silver table tennis women’s singles Article

Chinese Chen Meng will compete with Chinese Sun Yingsha in the finals of the women’s singles table tennis competition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium during the Tokyo Tokyo Olympics in Tokyo on July 29, 2021. (ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT / AFP)

TOKYO – Chinese Chen Meng filled his position as number one in the world by defeating his compatriot Sun Yingsha 4-2 to claim Olympic gold medal in the table tennis women’s singles competition here on Thursday.

Chen Meng and Sun Yingsha have resorted to 1-2 goals for China, a traditional powerhouse in the sport, after eliminating Singapore’s Yu Mengyu and local favorite Mima Ito in the semi-finals.

Chen became the winner in the entire Chinese finals 9-11, 11-6, 11-4, 5-11, 11-4 and 11-9.

It is once again one of the top lists for top-notch Chen after his success at the ITTF World Cup in November last year.

Chen and Sun have secured 1-2 goals for China, the sport’s traditional powerhouse, after eliminating Singapore’s Yu Mengyu and local favorite Mima Ito in a semi-final earlier Thursday.

“Our efforts in recent years have paid off, and the gold and silver medals have reflected the strength of our Chinese team,” Chen, 27, told a news conference after the gold medal.

“I’ve experienced a lot in recent years. Losing games and filling doubts about winning a gold medal just today I’m aware of the difficulties I had in stretching. I just want to say to myself, ‘you did it,'” he added.

The Chinese duo, who are familiar with each other’s style of play in practice and against each other in national or international competitions, presented their final quality attack Olympic virgin appearance.

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Chinese Sun Yingsha will compete with Chinese Chen Meng in the women’s singles table tennis competition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium during the Tokyo Tokyo Olympics in Tokyo on July 29, 2021. (ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT / AFP)

Youngster Sun got the lead from the start to take the key. But Chen took control of the game in the second series.

Although Sun managed to level the game to level 2-2, Chen approached his first Olympic certificate with accurate and high-caliber hits, letting go of the storm every time he scored a victory.

After receiving his gold medal, Chen ran toward the tribute to hug his coach and former Olympic champion Ma Lin.

“I had no idea what to say at the moment,” Chen said. “This gold medal is the best reward for both of us.”

“Playing the Olympics has been my dream during these years. I hope that from now on, the era of Chen Meng has come true,” he added.

Despite the loss in its quest for gold, 20-year-old Sun is confident in its future.

“After the Olympic preparations, I showed my level and did my best today,” he said. “It’s a long way to go. I hope I can move on step by step.”

Next, Chen and Sun will turn their attention to the team’s event and lead Chinese teams to seek their fourth consecutive title since 2008.

“That (the team’s gold medal) is my next goal,” commented Chen.

In the previous bronze medal, Ito defeated Yun 4-1.