The prestigious Guoliang-Sörling Trophy once again belongs to China, after the 2023 champion successfully defended its title with an 8-1 victory over Korea Republic on a historic final day at ITTF Mixed Team World Cup Chengdu 2024 presented by CHINA TELECOM.
Showcasing impeccable form all week long, China was looking to complete a clean sweep of victories in Chengdu, having won all 10 matches leading up to the final.
Greeted with a deafening cheer from the Chengdu crowd, China looked to make a quick start to Sunday evening’s showdown. Turning to the pair of Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin in the Mixed Doubles, the superstar duo put China on the front foot, combining their efforts to see off Shin Yubin and Cho Daeseong 2-1 (11-9, 17-19, 11-4).
It was then Wang Manyu’s turn to shine, stepping up to the table in the Women’s Singles match where she met Kim Nayeong. Despite her best efforts, Kim couldn’t live with Wang’s breakneck pace as the latter player outclassed her Korean counterpart 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-2), putting China on the cusp of victory.
Drawing ever closer to the finish line, China needed just three more games to clinch the title, and Lin Shidong delivered, producing a masterful display against Oh Junsung (11-6, 11-4, 11-6) to kickstart the celebrations.
“I’m really happy that we were able to defend our title in the second ITTF Mixed Team World Cup. Our entire team was very united and cohesive. Over the course of the tournament, we played 11 matches, and each one felt different. We gave it our all with the goal of winning the championship. I’m very grateful to the Chinese table tennis team and to the coaches and teammates by my side. Together, we worked as one to achieve this victory.” Sun Yingsha
Setting the pace right from Day 1 in Chengdu, China lays claim to the Guoliang-Sörling Trophy for the second year running, successfully defending its title from the inaugural event held in 2023.
Earlier in the evening, Hong Kong, China locked up the bronze medal following a resounding 8-2 victory over Romania.
Ng Wing Lam and Yiu Kwan To handed Hong Kong, China the perfect start, claiming all three games in their Mixed Doubles showdown against Elizabeta Samara and Ovidiu Ionescu (11-3, 11-6, 11-9).
With Doo Hoi Kem and Wong Chun Ting stepping up to beat Bernadette Szocs (11-7, 11-8, 7-11) and Eduard Ionescu (9-11, 11-5, 11-9) back-to-back, all Hong Kong, China required from that point on was one more game, and that game arrived in the Men’s Doubles as Wong Chun Ting and Yiu Kwan To chalked up a 1-0 win over Darius Movileanu and Eduard Ionescu (11-4) to secure the medal.
After eight days of exhilarating action at Sichuan Gymnasium, the final standings at ITTF Mixed Team World Cup Chengdu 2024 have been confirmed, with China emerging victorious once again.
