Beijing, Ningbo win table tennis league titles

Beijing women’s team won their first title since 2009, and Ningbo men’s team repeated their success two years ago at China Table Tennis Super League (CTTSL) here on Sunday.

In the women’s final, Feng Yalan had a good start for Beijing as she beat Wu Yang 11-5, 9-11, 11-6 and 11-8, reports Xinhua.

World No.1 Ding Ning extended Beijing’s lead with a 9-11, 11-9, 13-11, 17-15 win over 19-year Liu Gaoyang.

“She (Liu) is young and posed much threat to me today. We have much to expect from her in the future,” said Ding.

After suffering a third-game loss in doubles, Beijing sealed the win through world champion Ding, who beat Wu Yang 12-10, 11-4, 11-6.

“Both teams were hungry for the title. I am hungry too, although I have experienced many major tournaments before,” said Ding.

More tension was on the men’s final, where Ningbo recorded a narrow 3-2 victory over Bayi.

Bayi’s Fan Zhendong, who had a 27-set winning streak early in this season, had a comfortable 11-8, 11-8, 11-9 win over Lin Gaoyuan.

“I feel I am progressing throughout the season, in terms of results or skills,” said Fan.

Ningbo tied the game as world champion Ma Long beat Zhou Yu 9-11, 11-8, 11-7 and 11-6. Yan An downed Xu Chenhao 11-5, 3-11, 7-2 to add another trophy for Ningbo after two years.

“Compared with what we had two years ago, our team lacked the depth. So this title means a lot to us,” said Ma Long.

(IANS)