by Henry Chen 

Liang Jinkun beat both Yan Sheng (11-7, 5-11, 11-8, 11-7) and Zhu Linfeng (7-11, 11-2, 11-5, 11-3) to pave the way for victory.

The one remaining win was recorded by Wang Chuqin; in the opening match of the fixture, he accounted for Zhu Linfeng (11-8, 11-4, 11-5). The one success for Sichuan was posted in the doubles; Lai Jiaxin and Yan Sheng overcame Cheng Jingqi and Fan Shengpeng in three games (11-9, 6-11, 7-4).

Success for Bazhou as it was for Shandong Weiqiao. They beat nearest rivals Bayi by three matches to two; both teams already having secured their place in the play-off contests prior to the 18th round.

Fan Zhendong accounted for Xue Fei (9-11, 11-3, 11-9, 11-8) and Yan An (11-6, 11-8, 11-6) but that was the only success for Bayi. No Ma Long in the Shandong Weiqiao line-up, the younger members of the team rose to the challenge.

Yan An overcame Zhou Yu (13-11, 11-7, 12-14, 11-5); Lin Gaoyuan partnered Xue Fei to doubles success against Xu Chenhao and Zhou Yu (14-12, 11-6), before in the concluding match of the fixture, Lin Gaoyuan defeated Xu Chenhao (11-9, 11-5).

Defeat for Bayi, it was the same for Shanghai, a team also assured of a top four finish prior to the commencement of play.

Similar to Shandong Weiqiao; their leading player was absent, Xu Xin was not selected. He is recovering from injury and is very much focused on being fit in order to play in the play-offs.

The absence of Xu Xin told, a three-one defeat was experienced when facing Tianjin. Imporessive for Tianjin was Ma Te. He beat both Jeoung Youngsik (11-8, 6-11, 11-9, 11-4) and Zhao Zihao (11-5, 11-8, 11-8). The one further win for Tianjin was recorded in the opening match of the engagement when Liu Dingshuo accounted for Shan Kun (11-7, 11-13, 11-7, 9-11, 7-2).

Meanwhile, the one win for Shanghai was recorded in the doubles; Jeoung Youngsik and Shang Kun overcame Fang Yinchi and Yu Xinhang (11-7, 11-3).

Play-off places decided; in the two remaining 18th round fixtures, it was success for Shandong Luneng and Jiangsu.

Represented by Hao Shuai, Fang Bo, Lin Chen and Zhang Chao; Shandong Luneng beat the Shenzhen outfit formed by Ren Hao, Liu Jikang and Cui Qinglei by three matches to nil.

A comfortable win for Shandong Luneng; for Jiangsu it was a much closer call. Fielding Chuang Chih-Yuan, Zhang Peifeng, Cai Wei and Kong Lingxuan they needed the full five matches to overcome the Anhui trio comprising Yu Ziyang, Wong Chun Ting and Yu Ziyang.

The play-off fixtures, organised on a knock-out basis will be contested in Anhui from Thursday 29th to Saturday 31st December.

Shandong Weiqiao, having finished in first place in the league, has the right to choose its semi-final opponent; either Shanghai or Bazhou.

Saturday 24th December: Latest Super League Results

Saturday 24th December: Latest Super League Team Positions

Saturday 24th December: Latest Super League Averages