(by Steve Hopkins, photo ITTF)
Wang Chuqin upset Fan Zhendong in the Men’s Singles Final to close out the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Korea’s Jang Woojin, and Hong Kong’s Wong Chun Ting each claim a Bronze. The final day upset in Women’s Singles occurred a few hours earlier when Japan’s Hina Hayata defeated World No. 2 Wang Yidi in the Semifinals. Hayata’s run ended a few hours later when World No. 1 Sun Yingsha clinched the title with a 4-1 win. Gold for Yingsha, Silver for Hayata, and Korea’s Shin and China’s Wang each secure Bronze.
Despite Chinese dominance across the board, other countries have had their share of success – and despite winning 6 of 7 events, China did not sweep this year (as they have in some other years). China finished with 6 Gold Medals, 2 Silver Medals, and a Bronze. Korea has clearly been the second best Asian country landing 8 medals. Japan finished with 3, Taipei and Iran gained two each, and North Korea, India, Hong Kong, and Thailand have each made it to the podium once.
Little rest for the top players this time of year as many zip over to Lanzhou China to compete for the $250,000 in prize money at the WTT Star Contender event this week. Wang Chuqin, Ma Long, Harimoto, Jingkun, Gaoyuan, Ovtcharov, Shidong, and the Lebrun brothers are competing with the main draw set to begin tomorrow.
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