by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
An emphatic win was recorded against Australia’s Rohan Dhooria and Bob Liang, before matters concluded with a similar comprehensive performance in opposition to Singapore’s Josh Shao Han Chua and Shawn Kee Yang Chua.
Korea duly finished in the silver medal position one place ahead of Singapore.
“There are some difficulties in the match but I think I made an important contribution to the win; the Singaporeans played well.” Xue Fei
“It was good to see the fans here, I did my best, I hope I did not let them down; I like Taicang, I’ve played here before.” Wang Chuqin
The top step of the podium in the Junior Boys’ Team event, in the Cadet Boys’ Team competition it was the top two steps.
China ‘A’ represented by Niu Guankai and Song Zhuoheng accounted for the China ‘B’ combination of Chen Yaxuan, Chen Yuanyu and Shen Feng by three matches to nil at the final hurdle.
Song Zhuoheng gave his team the ideal start by beating Chen Yuanyu (11-3, 11-5, 11-5) before Niu Guankai accounted for Chen Yaxuan (11-7, 15-13, 12-10) to establish a two matches to nil lead. Matters concluded with Niu Guankai and Song Zhuoheng combining to win the doubles at the expense of Chen Yaxuan and Shen Feng (11-4, 11-6, 11-2).
“I was a little bit nervous at first but I adjusted quickly and focused on the match; the China ‘B’ Team played well, I hope they will progress to the national team.” Niu Guankai
Earlier at the quarter-final stage, Niu Guankai and Song Zhuoheng had beaten Singapore’s Izaac Quek Yong and Dominic Koh Song Jun by three matches to nil, before recording the same margin of victory in opposition to Thailand’s Nawin Mekamporn and Thyme Sanglertsilpachai.
Meanwhile, in the opposite half of the draw, Chen Yaxuan, Chen Yuanyu and Shen Feng had recorded a three-nil win against the Korea Republic ‘B’ Team combination of Kwok Hyuk and Lee Donghyeok prior to overcoming the Korea Republic ‘A’ partnership of Jang Seongil and Kim Jangwon by three matches to one.
Play in the Junior Boys’ Team and Cadet Boys’ Team events over; the focus of attention is now directed towards the Junior Boys’ Singles, Cadet Boys’ Singles and Hopes Boys’ Singles competitions.
