Olympian Ho crowned U-21 men's champion in ITTF World Tour China Open

Ho Kwan Kit of Hong Kong, China, who featured in Rio Olympic Games men's team event, claimed the Under-21 men's singles title at the ITTF World Tour China Open after upsetting Japanese Yuto Muramatsu 3-0 here on Thursday.

However, Doo Hoi Kem missed out on winning another trophy for Hong Kong, China, as she lost to Zeng Jian of Singapore 3-0 in the Under-21 women's singles event.

Although star players, such as Ma Long, Zhang Jike and Ding Ning, didn't appear in Thursday's matches, enthusiastic crowds still made the young players feel like stars in the Sichuan Gymnasium.

Ho got the upper hand with a 11-6 victory in the first game, which earned him more confidence.

Trailing by 8-10 in the second, Ho continued his aggressive play and won four points in a row to take the game at 12-10. He took the third game comfortably, 11-4, to seal the title.

"I think that I have some advantages against him, so I always feel confident in today's final," commented Ho, adding that the experience in the Rio Olympics helped him a lot in his career.

"Hope that I can get good results in Tokyo in 2020, so I need to get stronger in the future," he said.

In Under-21 women's event, Doo lost to Zeng 11-6, 13-11 and 11-9. The two players may book a re-match in the second round of women's singles.

"Hopefully I can win the next encounter if we face each other again," said Doo.

Doo beat Liu in the Asian qualifications of the Rio Olympic Games in April. She would rather regard the pressure from that match as a motivation to do better.

"Pressure is what you must face if you want to be a star," said Doo.

Grand Slam winners Ma Long, Zhang Jike and Ding Ning will take the center stage on Friday in the singles first round action and the doubles quarterfinals. Endit