China scored a golden table tennis treble at the Asian Games on Friday, winning the men's, women's and mixed doubles.
Men's top seeds Wang Hao and Zhang Jike claimed their title after an almighty battle with teammates and second seeds Ma Lin and Xu Xin, eventually coming through 11-2, 12-10, 10-12, 9-11, 11-5, 11-3.
In the women's event, Guo Yue and Li Xiaoxia made a minor piece of history by becoming the first pair to ever defend a doubles title when they toppled fellow Chinese Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen 11-5, 11-7, 11-6, 11-9.
Ding said she and Liu still had a lot to learn.
“We need to improve our strategy, as well as our skills because Li and Guo are much better than us,” she said.
Xu Xin and Guo Yan won the mixed doubles, overcoming determined Hong Kong pair Chueng Yuk and Jiang Huajun with a gruelling 15-13, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8, 11-3 victory.
“We played well as a team, carefully and smoothly,” said Xu.
“It is an honour to play with Guo Yan. She is a really excellent player. I've improved playing with her.
Guo said she likes playing with Xu because he was easy to get on with.
“He never blames me for my mistakes,” she said. “we play well together because we are both easy going and can communicate with each other.
