It was China versus China at the final of table–tennis women’s doubles of the Chengdu FISU University World Games. The gold went to Qian Tianyi and Zhao Shang’s after a tiring battle of seven sets against He Zhuojia and Wand Xiaotong, the two teammates who won gold medal at the women’s team event on Tuesday.
“Both sides have played well. We exchanged points, we played seven sets and the performances of both sides have been amazing.” commented the world number six ranked Qian. “I think Zhaoshang and I won because we work hard but also we are a bit lucky”
This FISU Chengdu University Games is the first world-class competition for the 20-year-old Zhao Shang. “This medal means support and affirmation to me,” said Zhao.
Later in the evening, the final of men’s doubles between China and Japan gained everyone’s attention at the High-tech Zone Sports Centre Gymnasium.
Hamada Kazuki and Tanigaki Yuma from Japan, who secured the first two sets, were upset when Xu Yingbin and Xue Fei made a stunning comeback by winning the remaining sets, resulting in another gold for China.
“The Japanese team played excellently, and we feel pressured” said the Southwest University student Xu. “At first, we were not so accustomed to [their game] but then we figured out some solutions and won back points gradually.”
The left-handed Qian clearly used up all her energy to reach the final. “I was really exhausted. I had four matches yesterday and three today.”
There were almost no breaks for them between matches today, but Xu took the situation positively.
“The schedule is so tight and it’s an experience that challenges us. But it’s common to have busy schedules. We just have to overcome the difficulties.”
Meanwhile in men’s doubles, İbrahim Gündüz and Abdullah Talha Yiğenler, from Türkiye, shared third place with another Chinese duo Liu Dingshuo and Zhou Kai. The Türkiye Nişantaşı University students-athletes expressed their satisfaction after their performance against Xu and Xue in the semi-final.
“Although we lost, we won three sets with them which was a great experience for us. We hope that we can get better for our next games.”
Table tennis will end with the most anticipated events, the women’s and men’s singles finals tomorrow.
Written by Noor Saleha Salem, FISU Young Reporter
