China

Zhang Yining got table tennis 'Master Cup'

(ITTF)
Updated: 2006-12-21 10:03

Zhang Yining, the number one seed in the Women's Singles event at the Champion of Champions tournament in Changsha, China was in no mood for charity on Wednesday.

Paddler Zhang Yining of China poses with 'Master Cup' trophy after clinching the women's single title with win over teammate Wang Nan at the 2006 world table tennis championship held in Changsha, capital of south China's Hunan Province December 20,2006.[Xinhua]

In the final she beat her doubles partner and Chinese national team colleague, Wang Nan, in four straight games. Zhang Yining won 11-9, 11-7, 11-8, 11-4; as the match progress she became stronger and stronger her, self-belief growing as the duel unfolded.

Wang Nan and Zhang Yining have met many times in international events with the balance of power being in favour of Zhang Yining. However, of their many meeting few have been as comfortable as the one in Changsha.

Surprised

"I didn't expect to win that easily, I'm really very surprised", explained Zhang Yining who had given an absolutely faultless performance.

"Wang Nan played extremely well to beat Guo Yan in the semis; that was a tough opponent for her", added Zhang Yining. "I think this is the most comfortable win I've ever had over Wang Nan."

Simply Superb

When Wang Nan plays you expect her at some stage to mount a fight back; she's recovered from impossible situations time and again in her illustrious career but the miracle recovery never materialised.

Simply, the superb Zhang Yining was in control from start to finish.

Quickly

"I played quickly in the rallies today and I tried to make her move", explained Zhang Yining. "I tried to use to the angles as much as possible and I think as the match progressed she became tired."

Imperious

The reigning Olympic and World champion was imperious and having won the Women's Singles title at the Volkswagen Pro Tour Grand Finals and now having been crowned the `Champion of Champions' she is full of confidence for the future.

In 2007 she will defend her Women's Singles World title in Zagreb, Croatia and one year later, in 2008, she will seek to retain her Olympic crown. Judging by her performance in Changsha she is the favourite to retain both titles; if she does that will make her one of the greatest ever legends of table tennis.