Chinese sensation Ma Long nailed down newly crowned world champion Wang Hao to lift the trophy of the men's singles here Thursday as China pocketed all the medals on offer at the Asian Cup table tennis tournament. The 20-year-old Ma, whose world ranking raised to the second after losing only to Wang Hao and leaving Yokohama with a bronze medal, pulled himself together after losing the opening set in the world championship semifinal rematch and managed a further comeback from 2-3 down to win the final in full sets.
China's Wang Hao reacts during the awarding ceremony for the final of men's singles at the 22nd Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 21, 2009.
It took Ma Long a few more than an hour to beat the 25-year-old Wang Hao, who had won for nine times out of fourteen meetings against Ma before Thursday night's Asian Cup final, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7. Ma's title is the 37th won by a Chinese as the continental event, initiated by the Asian Table Tennis Union in 1983, have produced all together 44 gold medals of both men's and women's singles in 22 editions.
China's Wang Hao acts against his compatriot Ma Long during the final of men's singles at the 22nd Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 21, 2009
On the women's part, the Yokohama worlds' runner-up Guo Yue defended her Asian Cup title after wrapping up a straight-set victory over compatriot Liu Shiwen, born in 1990s, winning 11-4, 11-9, 11-4, 11-4. Earlier on Thursday, another Chinese teenager Ding Ning, who won a silver of the women's doubles at the Yokohama worlds, beat Hong Kong veteran Tie Yana 11-6, 11-7, 11-7, 11-7 for a bronze, while China's national title holder Zhang Jike eased past Japan's doubles specialist Seiya Kishikawa 11-5, 9-11, 11-4, 11-6, 16-14 to finish on the men's podium.
The 60,000 U.S. dollars Asian Cup attracted 16 men's and as many women's players from nine Asian teams, namingly China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong of China, Chinese Taipei, Singapore, India, Thailand and Iran.
China's Ma Long acts against his compatriot Wang Hao during the final of men's singles at the 22nd Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, May 21, 2009.
Future smart devices will extend our senses
US shoppers flock to stores searching for bargains
Researchers Seek Ways to Help Damaged Brains Heal
How Military Research Finds Its Way to Everyday Life
Test Tube Pups May Help Rescue Endangered Species
Whisky Byproducts, the Next Car Fuel?
Republican Lawmaker: Obama Has Downplayed IS Threat
Words and their stories: All about eyes
Airtight Houses Lower Energy Costs
Retailers Gear Up for Shopping Season
Migrant Crisis Poses Unprecedented Challenge for Europe
Russia Sanctions Turkey as Syria Coalition Efforts Fizzle
'Green' Way to Charge Phones
Paris Climate Pact Triggers Partisan US Reactions
Paris Attacks Raise Questions About US Security
Robot for Treasure Hunt
At Climate Summit, Hope for Emissions Deal
Ebola Outbreak Shows Reforms Needed
Across Africa, 2015 Has Been a Lean, Hungry Year
杭州包子美国开分店 20元一个在哈佛卖疯了!
Tourists Support for Paris After Attacks
助人为乐吗?不,研究表明:助人为“累”
中印关系大发展 龙象共舞大跨越
国际英语资讯:Indonesia to monitor dozens of militants back home after joining IS in Iraq
Israel Claims Successful Test of Long-range Missile Shield
Researchers Consider Climate Change Impact on Health
国内英语资讯:CPC key documents stress strict Party governance
Obama: Iran Nuclear Deal Top Ten Achievement of 2015
Electronics Make Driving Easier
Mystery of Chameleon Eyes Solved