China sweeps the board as venue stands up to the test

Ma Long and Chen Qi during the competition (Xinhua Photo)

(BEIJING, December 19) -- The two-day competitions of the "Good Luck Beijing" 2007 Table Tennis International Invitational Tournament concluded at the Peking University Gymnasium this evening as China staged a clean sweep for the two team gold medals.

China completes haul of titles

As the last two sport events of the "Good Luck Beijing" series this year, the 2007 Pro Tour Grand Finals ran from Dec. 13 to 16 and the 2007 International Invitational Tournament from 18 to 19.

At the Pro Tour Grand Finals, China achieved its goal of sweeping all four gold medals, as Ma Lin was crowned in the men's singles competition; Li Xiaoxia earned her first women's singles title of the Pro Tour Grand Finals; Wang Liqin and Chen Qi took the men's doubles title; and Guo Yue and Li Xiaoxia took the women's doubles title. Ma, Li and Wang-Chen defeated fellow Chinese team members to win their titles, while Guo-Li downed their ROK counterparts in the final.

At the International Invitational Tournament, China still reigned supreme, as the men's team, composed of Ma Long, Hao Shuai and Chen Qi, and the women's team, consisting of Guo Yue, Li Xiaoxia and Guo Yan, both remained unbeaten to win the titles.

The Grand Finals have been a highlight for both China's players and officials, as the results will count toward world ranking points and serve as a reference for coaches in choosing their Olympic players, according to Liu Guoliang, head coach of the Chinese men's team.

On the men's side, Ma Lin gained an advantage to be part of the Beijing Olympics after winning the singles title. Wang Hao also made an impressive show by eliminating ROK's Ryu Seung Min in the 1/8 finals and Belarussian Vladimir Samsonov in the quarterfinals. A defeat to Wang Hao in the singles semifinal cast a shadow on Wang Liqin's hope to play in the 2008 Olympic Games. But Wang Liqin is still confident about the future, saying, "I improved a lot through these fierce fights. I lost to Wang Hao this time but brought to bear new skills and gained experience at the same time."

On the women's side, Shandong native Li Xiaoxia showed her emotional maturity in the final clash against Guo Yue.

"Keep the faith while being kept up with" was her reason for the win.

In spite of losing the singles quarterfinal in a Chinese affair, Wang Nan noted she was still confident about the 2008 Olympic Games, saying, "I haven't yet lost to any foreign players so far this year."