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China on course for 8th straight men's table tenni team title

Xinhua, March 5, 2016 Adjust font size:

China's men's table tennis team moved within one match of clinching their eighth straight world championship title after brushing aside South Korea 3-0 here on Saturday.

Xu Xin drew the first blood for China by beating Lee Sangsu 8-11, 11-2, 11-7 and 11-5 in the semifinal clash.

Xu said that after losing the first set, he made adjustment quickly which helped him win the next three sets.

Ma Long, the current world No. 1, defeated Jung Youngsik easily 11-7, 11-5 and 11-8 in the second rubber, while Zhang Jike overcame Jang Woojin 7-11, 11-4, 11-9 and 12-10 to end matters.

Beaten twice by Jang during the 2015 Asian Championships, Zhang gained sweet revenge this time.

"I have predicted that the South Korean team would send Jang to play in this match, and I assigned Zhang to fight with Jang on purpose, giving him an opportunity to defeat his old opponent and regain confidence," said Liu Guoliang, head coach of the Chinese team.

"I really appreciate the coach for offering me the opportunity to beat Jang in the world championships. It's very good for me to build my confidence," Zhang said.

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