Powerhouse China, led by world number ones Wang Hao and Zhang Yining, ensured they will again be taking all the titles at the World Table Tennis Championships on Monday. Men's number one Wang brushed aside Ma Long 12-10, 11-8, 10-12, 11-9, 11-9 to set up the final with three-time world champion Wang Liqin, who struggled to beat Olympic champion Ma Lin 11-5, 12-14, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6.
The women's number one Zhang, the Beijing Olympic gold medallist, defeated teenager Liu Shiwen 11-8, 11-8, 11-6, 8-11, 10-12, 11-8 for a place against defending champion Guo Yue. Guo repeated the 2007 championship final in beating Li Xiaoxia 11-8, 11-5, 10-12, 11-5, 11-9 in the other semi-finals.
"I felt pressure at the beginning," said Zhang, 27. "But I felt comfortable when I took three games to love. She (Liu) tried to go for it in the latter half, so I just tried to be patient." "She played better in the latter half but I was able to take the initiative at the end," added the 2005 champion after avenging her loss in the Qatar Open semi-finals earlier this year in her first encounter with Liu.
Liu said: "I lost so many points consecutively at the beginning. I couldn't control the ball. It was close in the last three games but I must admit a defeat is a defeat." "I never felt pressure because she is the number one player in the world, so I'm satisfied even though I lost. I want to challenge her again in the near future if I have a chance," added Liu, 18.
Guo, who had to settle for the bronze medal at the Olympics, narrowed her record against Li to eight wins against 10 defeats. China made all the five events an all-Chiese affair with Chen Qi and Wang Hao coming from behind to beat Ma Long and Xu Xin 6-11, 13-11, 13-11, 11-5, 11-9 victory in the men's doubles final.
Guo Yue and Li Xiaoxia coasted to a convincing 11-8, 12-10, 11-4, 3-11, 11-7 victory over Ding Ning and Guo Yan to win the women's doubles final, while Li Ping and Cao Zhen won the mixed doubles title on Sunday. It will be the third straight championships that China takes away all five titles.
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