HK women ousted, Singapore through to semis at Olympic table tennis

Germany ousted former giants Hong Kong 3-1 to reach the women's team semifinals at the Olympic table tennis tournament here on Saturday.

Four-time Olympian Tie Yana, a wife and mom at the age of 37, lost both her doubles and singles games and bowed out of her last Olympics in tears.

Tie's doubles partner Lee Ho Ching, a 23-year-old Hong Kong-born player, lost the opening match to former Chinese Han Ying, 11-6, 11-3, 11-4.

The 19-year-old Hong Kong star Doo Hoi Kem pulled it even as she saved four match points to outlast Petrissa Solja 9-11, 11-3, 9-11, 11-9, 14-12.

Tie and Lee then lost the doubles to Shan Xiaona and Solja, 11-7, 11-3, 12-10, before Tie was defeated by Han, 11-5, 5-11, 11-7, 11-3.

"I think the two young teammates are good enough to take the responsibility, although they are not able to win every match right now," said Tie. "I have tried my best but my rivals played better."

Germany will take on 2012 Olympic runners-up Japan, who eased past an Austrian team spearheaded by former European champion Liu Jia.

Earlier on Saturday morning, the all-mighty Chinese team beat DPR Korea 3-0 to advance to the semifinals.

The top-seeded China will play against 2008 Olympic silver medalists Singapore, who overcame South Korea in full games.

In the men's action, Germany, who have medaled since the 2008 Olympics, defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 to meet Austria, 3-1 winners over Portugal.

The other semifinal pits Japan against the Hong Kong team. Japan edged Poland 3-2 and the HK side made short work of Australia, 3-0.

On the other half of draw, China will meet Britain and South Korea play against Sweden. Endit