China dominates table tennis doubles at Saudi Smash

Chinese table tennis players maintained their domination of the Saudi Smash event in Jeddah by sweeping the men’s and women’s doubles titles on Friday. (Supplied)
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  • Chinese players continued to show their pedigree in Jeddah

JEDDAH: Chinese table tennis players maintained their domination of the Saudi Smash event in Jeddah by sweeping the men’s and women’s doubles titles on Friday.

In the men’s doubles, Wang Chuqin and Ma Long were victorious as they defeated the Japanese pair of Shunsuke Togami and Hiroto Shinozuka (11-6, 11-5, 11-9).

In the women’s doubles final, Wang Manyu and Chen Meng went back to back as a winning doubles combination on the WTT Grand Smash stage by closing out a marvelous 3-0 victory over Jeon Jihee and Shin Yubin on the penultimate day at Saudi Smash 2024 (11-6, 11-6, 12-10).

Singapore Smash 2024 champions Wang and Chen traveled to Jeddah as the pair to beat, carrying the biggest possible targets on their backs as the No.1 seeds, but came through the challenging playing field unscathed.

“We don’t always get to play together, but winning the title at an important event like this Smash helps us to build confidence and chemistry,” Chen said.

It was an extra special victory for Wang as it meant she picked up her fourth consecutive women’s doubles title at a WTT Grand Smash event — an extraordinary run in the discipline.

“Today we performed well. We also had clear and smooth preparation, and execution of our techniques and tactics. I’m very happy about this win with Chen Meng,” she said.