ITTF Mixed Team World Cup Chengdu 2024 presented by CHINA TELECOM is officially underway, with 16 teams vying for glory across eight days of exhilarating action at Sichuan Gymnasium.
Greeted by rapturous applause as the team entered the arena, defending champion China is off to a flying start in Chengdu, sprinting into top spot in Group 1 with a statement 8-0 victory over Australia.
With the team’s eyes firmly fixed on lifting the prestigious Guoliang-Sörling Trophy for the second year running, China raced into a quick 3-0 lead as Kuai Man and Lin Shidong flexed their doubles prowess to see off Jian Fang Lay and Finn Luu in straight games (11-5, 11-3, 11-5).
Wang Manyu doubled China’s advantage soon after, putting three games past Melissa Tapper without reply (11-3, 11-6, 11-2) before Wang Chuqin finished the job, needing just two games against Hwan Bae (11-9, 11-6) to send China to the magic eight-game number required for the win.
“I was the first to enter the venue, and I could feel the passion of the audience, which gave me a lot of excitement. I felt very good, so I was able to get into the match very quickly. Playing a team game, I feel everyone is working together, and everyone is united together. I feel empowered.” Kuai Man
Follow Tournament Action
Korea Republic also caught the eye, setting the pace in Group 3 with an 8-3 win over Romania.
The margins were tight early on with the scores locked at 3-3, but Korea Republic would enter a different gear from that point on. Jang Woojin powered past Ovidiu Ionescu in straight games (11-6, 11-6, 11-8), before the pair of Jeon Jihee and Shin Yubin settled the match with victory over Elizabeta Samara and Bernadette Szocs (11-1, 11-8).
“I love it. It’s a new experience, and I enjoy playing like this. I like to cheer alongside the guys next to the court. It’s something new and I really like it. I love to play like this.” Bernadette Szocs
Elsewhere from the day’s early action, USA banked an impressive 8-3 victory over India to make a promising start in Group 1, while No.13 seed Singapore upstaged No.5 seed Chinese Taipei 8-7 in Group 3.
