by Wade Townsend & Amy Ding
Sichuan has come away with gold in the Women’s Team event at the China National Games after defeating Heilongjiang in the final on Saturday
The crowd in Tianjin were treated to spectacular encounter of two evenly matched teams.
“Both Heilongjiang team and Sichuan team have provided audiences an excellent match to watch,” said Qiu Yike, Sichuan’s coach. “We prepared very well before the match, because I think every team which can made it to the final is as strong as us.”
Coming in to the final Coach Qiu knew they were in for a close match.
“I think our rate of wining is fifty percent,” said Qiu. “In the final, the result is decided by the mindset of players but not the technique.”
With the match at a coin flip, Qiu didnt deny that luck played a part.
“We are lucky today. In the fourth game, Zhu Yuling fell behind seven to nine, but Wang Manyu didn’t play decisively and lost the game. Generally, both teams are at the same level. I hope both of us can do better in the upcoming individual events.” Qiu Yike (Sichuan Coach)
In the playoff for bronze Beijing came up with the goods, stealing the final spot on the podium. However, it wasn’t all just down to their star player Ding Ning. This time, Sheng Dandan rose to the occasion.
“A team match is not a battle for only one person, so I always feel upset when I do badly and Ding Ning has to take two points. I played at the same position as Ding Ning’s today, so I got to know how she felt. I feel more responsibility.” Sheng Dandan