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Chinese women's team cruises into semifinals at table tennis worlds

Xinhua, March 3, 2016 Adjust font size:

Defending champion Chinese women's team took a three-nil win over the Netherlands, cruising into the semifinals at the 2016 World Team Table Tennis Championships here on Thursday.

The Chinese team of Liu Shiwen, Li Xiaoxia and Ding Ning proved too strong for the Dutch trio of Li Jiao, Erland Britt and Li Jie.

Liu awarded China the lead by beating Li Jiao, a Chinese-born player 8-11, 11-7, 11-7 and 11-1.

"I should not lose the first set, this is the only set that I lost until now in the tournament," said Liu, the 2014 Asian Games winner, "In the other three sets, I did much better, especially my attacks, more aggressive."

The momentum became much in favour of China as Li Xiaoxia, the 2012 Olympic Games winner, breezed over Britt 11-4, 11-7, 3-11 and 11-6.

Later on, Ding, the current world No.1, fought for full sets to overcome Li Jie, also a Chinese-born player, at 11-6, 7-11, 15-13, 9-11 and 12-10 to secure China a semifinal berth.

"I know her (Li Jie) well. She is an elder sister, has lots of experience in big matches. I made some mistakes today, my coach (Kong Linghui) told me I should have more confidence on myself. Winning the game is really not easy," said Ding, who believed she could do better in the semifinals.

Kong, head coach of the Chinese women's team, felt satisfied with the result, but pointed out that his players should do better.

"In group stage, we did not meet many challenges. Our players are little bit nervous today, and made some mistakes that should not make as defending champions," said Kong.

China's semifinals opponents will be either Chinese Taipei or Hong Kong, China, whose clash will be played on Friday.

"No matter who will be our opponents, we will take every game seriously. I will tell my players to be well prepared and relaxed. They are not new comers, we are defending champions, and we could win the championships again," added Kong.

Earlier, Japan also reached the semifinals by defeating Germany 3-0.

Ito Mima took a comfortable victory over Winter Sabine at 11-3, 11-7, 7-11 and 12-10, and her teammate Ishkawa Kasumi ousted Solja Petrissa at 11-7, 11-9, 9-11 and 11-7, while Fukuhara Ai sealed the win for Japan by defeating Silbereisen Kristin at 11-6, 11-5, 6-11 and 11-8.

Japan will take on either Singapore or DPR Korea in the semifinal, as the latters will have a clash on Friday.

China won its 19th women's team title at the table tennis worlds in Toyko in 2014, beating Japan 3-0 in the final.

The 2016 World Team Table Tennis Championships, which began on Feb. 28, will run till March 6. Endit