Ping Pong: Chinese paddlers open with victories
(eastday.com)
Updated: 2004-03-02 09:27

The Chinese men launched their assault on the Swaythling Cup with a 3-0 victory over an aging French team on the first day of the world team table tennis championships in Doha, Qatar, yesterday, while their women compatriots recorded the same scoreline against Germany but had more difficulty.

Wang Nan knocks back a hit during the duel with German player Elke Wosik March 3, 2004, the first day of the world team table tennis championships in Doha, Qatar. [newsphoto]

Wang Hao, ITTF Pro Tour Finals winner three months ago, was stretched to five sets before he overcame French veteran Patrick Chila 3-2 (11-4, 8-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5).

World top-ranked Ma Lin put China 2-0 ahead by beating Damien Eloi 3-1 (7-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-8) and world No. 2 Wang Liqin crushed Eric Varin 3-0 (11-5, 11-8, 11-9).

The women kicked off their quest to regain the team title with the trio of Zhang Yining, Li Ju and Wang Nan chalking up victories.

However, it was not a one-sided affair.

World No. 1 Zhang opened with a 3-0 (11-7, 11-8, 12-10) win over Jie Schopp and veteran Li Ju overcame an early setback to beat Nicole Struse 3-1 (10-12, 11-4, 13-11, 14-12).

"It was our first match in the tournament. The Germans are strong opponents, we had to prepare thoroughly, we knew it would be difficult," said Li.

The rubber concluded with Wang outlasting Elke Wosik in five games.

The German's strong topspin strokes caused the reigning world and Olympic champion some problems but in a crisis there are few better players than Wang; with Wosik straining at the leash the decisive game went the Chinese star's way and the defending champions had overcome their first hurdle.

"We were fully prepared for these two games," said China's head coach Cai Zhenhua. "Zhang Yining played to her normal standard while Wang and Li have been struggling."

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