Published: 09:55, February 20, 2025
World No 1 Lin, Sun get comfortable wins in ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup first round
By Xinhua
Lin Shidong of China serves during the men's singles match against Wong Chun-ting of Hong Kong, China at the 34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, Feb 19, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

SHENZHEN - As the world's top-ranked paddlers, Lin Shidong and Sun Yingsha of China both secured comfortable victories in their opening matches at the 34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup, which kicked off here on Wednesday.

In the men's singles, Lin defeated Wong Chun-ting of Hong Kong, China 11-7, 11-4, 11-3, while Sun eased past Chien Tung-chuan of Chinese Taipei 11-2, 11-8, 11-6.

Sun Yingsha of China hits a return during the women's singles match against Chien Tung-chuan of Chinese Taipei at the 34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, Feb 19, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

"This is my maiden appearance at the Asian Cup, but Shenzhen is a city I am very familiar with, as I have played in the China Table Tennis Super League here for many years," said Sun. "I felt the support of the fans today. I hope to continue playing well in the following matches."

Elsewhere, the women's singles defending champion Wang Yidi of China, edged out Kim Na-yeong of South Korea 11-6, 11-8, 6-11, 11-7. While the men's singles defending champion, Tomokazu Harimoto of Japan, suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the 19-year-old Huang Youzheng of China.

Wang Chuqin of China serves during the men's singles group 2 match against Noshad Alamiyan of Iran at the 34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, Feb 19, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Wang Manyu of China serves during the women's singles group 2 match against Lee Eunhye of South Korea at the 34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup table tennis tournament in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, Feb 19, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Women's second-seeded Wang Manyu of China smashed Lee Eun-hye of South Korea 11-6, 11-3, 11-5. While her compatriot and man's second-seeded Wang Chuqin, secured a narrow victory against Iran's world 53rd-ranked Noshad Alamiyan with a score of 14-12, 9-11, 6-11, 12-10, 11-7.

READ MORE: China's Lin/Kuai crowned as mixed doubles champions at WTT Singapore Smash

"I lost some points due to hesitation in this match, which put me 1-2 behind," Wang said. "I realized I needed to release the pressure and fight for victory while trailing in the fourth game. Thanks to all the fans who cheered me on."