(BY MATT HETHERINGTON)

Lily Zhang and Wu Yue have continued their stellar run in the Women’s Doubles event at the 2017 Leibherr ITTF World Table Tennis Championships in Dusseldorf, Germany. As the crowds grow and the focus shrinks to a select few tables in the main hall, the match quality is on its way up and we are in for some amazing table tennis. Team USA had all the momentum after some unbelievable performances in the tournament so far.

Going into the morning of Day 4 of the World Championships the two girls still remained in the doubles, as well as both Lily and Kanak being left in the singles draws. Lily and Jennifer would face off in the round of 16 of the Women’s Doubles, after having displayed some excellent results already (read more). Their opponents were Mo Zhang of Canada and Sofia Polvanova from Austria, both experienced players with a great amount of skill and so far having proved their ability in doubles, overcoming Mittelham and Silbereisen of Germany in the previous round.

It was a promising start for the Americans as they locked out game one in deuce. All of the games in this match were immensely closely fought and both teams were constantly on their toes. The tactics at play were clear, Lily Zhang led with hand signals on receive, placement was key.

The mixed nation pair would fight back to take game two, Mo Zhang displaying some great shots with her short pimple forehand. There were a number of superb rallies and it was clear that both teams were focused very strongly on where they were placing the ball on the table. USA were controlling well but every now and then their opponents would create a space and catch them out wide.

For full article, please click here