The first of three stages is finally complete at ITTF Mixed Team World Cup Chengdu 2024 presented by CHINA TELECOM, with the last remaining Stage 2 tickets being snapped up on an action-packed evening on Day 3 at Sichuan Gymnasium.
One of the eight successful teams extending their week in Chengdu, Germany produced a fine display in its final Group 2 match against Egypt, coming out on top by a convincing 8-1 margin.
Defeating Marwan Gamal (11-7, 9-11, 11-2) in what proved to be the decisive contest of the evening, Kay Stumper’s win reflected a well-rounded German team effort, showing maturity and sheer ruthlessness to send a message to the rest of the playing field in Chengdu.
“I started very good, but in the second game I played very bad and also I lost a lot of focus, maybe because my opponent was up by a lot. I of course was punished for this and I lost the second game. But I gave everything I had and I played much better in the third so I could win.” Kay Stumper
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With Japan navigating its closing match against Poland by an 8-0 margin, the evening’s results promote Japan and Germany through to Stage 2 while Poland and Egypt’s week draws to a close.
Reaching Stage 2 at last year’s ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2023, Sweden won’t be making a return to the second hurdle in Chengdu despite prevailing 8-7 in its final Group 4 encounter against Hong Kong, China.
Instead, top spot in the group goes to France who concluded Stage 1 in dominant fashion, coming up with an 8-1 win over Canada, leapfrogging Hong Kong, China in the process. Now the team’s attention turns to Stage 2 where even greater challenges await.
“I’m a little bit disappointed to lose a game, but the team did a good job and we are really happy to play Stage 2 now. It’s a long competition and we will play good teams like China and Japan, so we are very happy.” Audrey Zarif
