China to take all five World titles

Powerhouse China, led by world number ones Wang Hao and Zhang Yining, ensured they will again be taking all the titles at the World Table Tennis Championships on Monday.

Men's number one Wang brushed aside Ma Long 12-10, 11-8, 10-12, 11-9, 11-9 to set up the final with three-time world champion Wang Liqin, who struggled to beat Olympic champion Ma Lin 11-5, 12-14, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6.

The women's number one Zhang, the Beijing Olympic gold medallist, defeated teenager Liu Shiwen 11-8, 11-8, 11-6, 8-11, 10-12, 11-8 for a place against defending champion Guo Yue.

Guo repeated the 2007 championship final in beating Li Xiaoxia 11-8, 11-5, 10-12, 11-5, 11-9 in the other semi-finals.

China made all the five events an all-Chiese affair with Chen Qi and Wang Hao coming from behind to beat Ma Long and Xu Xin 6-11, 13-11, 13-11, 11-5, 11-9 victory in the men's doubles final.

Guo Yue and Li Xiaoxia coasted to a convincing 11-8, 12-10, 11-4, 3-11, 11-7 victory over Ding Ning and Guo Yan to win the women's doubles final, while Li Ping and Cao Zhen won the mixed doubles title on Sunday.

It will be the third straight championships that China takes away all five titles.

YOKOHAMA, AFP