China has once again proved itself as the table tennis superpower, defending their Team World Cup title in dominating fashion in two epic China – Japan clashes at the 2018 ITTF Team World Cup today, 25 February 2018 at the Coper Box Arena in London.
The Chinese women’s trio of DING Ning, LIU Shiwen and ZHU Yuling proved too strong for the Japanese young team of Kasumi ISHIKAWA, Mima ITO and Hina HAYATA in the Women’s Team Gold medal match, claiming their eighth consecutive title 3-0.
2017 Women’s Doubles World Champions DING Ning and LIU Shiwen faced 17-year-olds Mima ITO and Hina HAYATA in the first match of the day. Despite the Japanese putting up a good fight against the World Champions, it was the experienced Chinese pair who took a 3-1 (11-7, 11-6, 6-11, 11-8,) victory to give China the first point lead.
World number two ZHU Yuling determined to giver China the 2-0 lead, dominated her match against Japan’s number one Kasumi ISHIKAWA, claiming a 3-0 (11-5, 11-7, 11-7) victory. Returning back to the table from her doubles win, DING Ning ended matters quickly with Mima ITO in the third match, defeating the Japanese youngster 3-0 (11-7, 11-9, 11-8) to seal the deal for China.
After claiming the final victory for her team, DING Ning stated: “I am very happy that we won in this arena and I want to thank the fans here who cheered for us throughout the encounter.”
