China marched into the semi-finals of the Asian Games table tennis team events on Thursday as South Korea loomed as their strongest challenger.
China's women faced a tough workout in their 3-0 win over Japan, whose paddlers refused to surrender easily to their more experienced opponents.
They now face South Korea who blanked India 3-0 and have looked in top form in the past two days.
China's Wang Nan, the world No. 3, was sluggish early in her match, allowing Saki Kanazawa, ranked 40 in the world, to take the first game.
But the three-time world champion held her nerve and, backed by a cheering crowd, fought back for a 3-1 victory, sealing the match with a cross-court forehand smash.
Team-mate Guo Yue, the world No. 4, fought off a tenacious challenge from Japan's Ai Fukuhara, her 3-1 win coming after a marathon 22-20 rally.
It was a similar story in the third match, Japan's Haruna Fukuoka forcing Guo Yan to four sets before the World Cup winner emerged with a 3-1 victory.
In other quarter-final action, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Li Jiawei led the charge for Singapore, dashing Hong Kong's hopes after earlier helping her country defeat Thailand.
The city state must now steel themselves for today's semi-final showdown against defending champions North Korea. The North have not dropped a game so far and on Thursday sent Thailand and Uzbekistan packing 3-0.
On the men's side, China cruised past host Qatar in 43 minutes after earlier downing Japan 3-0.
They now play Taiwan who defeated North Korea 3-1 and then Vietnam 3-0.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely