logo
Wang Chuqin gives China fans 2028 LA Olympics boost, as men suffer shock losses at US event

Wang Chuqin gives China fans 2028 LA Olympics boost, as men suffer shock losses at US event

Table tennis world champion Wang Chuqin has given Chinese fans a boost after announcing his intention to play on until at least the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In a pre-recorded video interview with state media, Wang said he needed the target in three years to determine his 'next direction' after that.
And he reassured supporters that LA 'would not be an end', rather a point at which he would examine his future.
The news was a much-needed jolt of optimism for Chinese table tennis after a poor day for the men's team at the WTT Grand Smash stop in Las Vegas, where the 25-year-old was the only one of the nation's players in the bottom half of the draw to make it into the second round.
While the world No 2 was beating Romania's Julian Chirita 3-1, compatriots Chen Yuanyu and world No 5 Liang Jingkun both lost. Chen, the 16th seed, lost 3-1 to England's Liam Pitchford, while French qualifier Lilian Bardet saw off Liang in a five-game battle, 5-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8.
Baldwin Chan (front) still has an opportunity to make it into the second round, but doubles partner Wong Chun-ting is already out. Photo: Xinhua
'I think my opponent played very well and he's quite a strong player too,' Wang said. 'He also gave me a lot of difficulties during the match.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Chinese rising star reaches WTT Smash final, eyes first title
Chinese rising star reaches WTT Smash final, eyes first title

South China Morning Post

time2 hours ago

  • South China Morning Post

Chinese rising star reaches WTT Smash final, eyes first title

There will be a new women's champion at the World Table Tennis (WTT) United States Smash after China's Chen Yi and Zhu Yuling of Macau reached the final on Saturday. Chen, 19, beat compatriot Kuai Man 4-3 in her first semi-final, winning 6-11, 11-3, 3-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-1, 11-9 in 53 minutes. Chen levelled the match on three occasions and came from behind in the tense decider. It was the rising star's second win in as many matches against world No 5 Kuai. 'I had played against Kuai so many times before and we were on a similar level,' Chen said. 'I guess I had a bit more luck today, and I am thrilled right now. '[My final opponent] Zhu is more experienced. I lost 3-0 to her in Taiyuan, so obviously I am the underdog here and I will do the best I can to challenge her.' Zhu Yuling has her sights on a first title after reaching the WTT Smash final. Photo: Handout Chen's run – which included a stunning 3-1 win over Sun Yingsha and a victory from 3-0 down to eliminate Japan's Hina Hayata – in Las Vegas sparked an off-field saga back home.

East Asian Football Championships: is Chan recall sign China are running scared of Hong Kong?
East Asian Football Championships: is Chan recall sign China are running scared of Hong Kong?

South China Morning Post

time3 hours ago

  • South China Morning Post

East Asian Football Championships: is Chan recall sign China are running scared of Hong Kong?

Hong Kong football bosses have moved to defuse a controversy that had threatened to blow up ahead of the city team's clash with China on Tuesday. With Ashley Westwood's side seeking a first win over their neighbours since 1985, rumours had surfaced that several players contracted to mainland clubs could be recalled after the team's loss to South Korea on Friday. While clubs are not obligated to release players for the East Asian Football Championship because it falls outside a Fifa window, suspicions were heightened when China manager Dejan Djurdjevic refused to confirm if any of his players were being sent back. Faced with the potential for some uncomfortable questions, the Football Association of Hong Kong China (HKFA) released a statement on Sunday that said only Shinichi Chan had left the camp in a 'pre-arranged agreement between the coaching team … and the player's club'. Chan, who plays for Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua, is one of Hong Kong's best players. Dejan Djurdjevic issues final instructions before China's loss to South Korea last Monday. Photo: Xinhua On Saturday, after his team's 2-0 defeat by Japan, Djurdjevic had refused to discuss whether any of his players would be ordered back to their clubs, and initially said as China coach, 'I concentrate on our players … that's all'.

Hong Kong should seek Olympic gold with a bid for 2036 Summer Games
Hong Kong should seek Olympic gold with a bid for 2036 Summer Games

South China Morning Post

time5 hours ago

  • South China Morning Post

Hong Kong should seek Olympic gold with a bid for 2036 Summer Games

I hope I'm not upsetting anyone's plans for a relaxing summer, but I think the Hong Kong government should start urgently on a bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics . We can do it, cities within the Greater Bay Area need it and competitors are already lining up. The Summer Olympics have been held 20 times since resuming after the Second World War. The locations of the next two games, in 2028 and 2032, have already been determined. Hosting the Olympics is a fair reflection of a city's financial acumen and interest in sports. Of the 22 held or scheduled Summer Olympics, Europe – including Russia – has hosted them nine times. By 2028, North America is likely to have hosted five of them. In Oceania, Australia is slated to host three by 2032. Meanwhile, Asia has hosted the Summer Games four times and South America only once. Notable for their absence are South Asia and all of Africa, arguably due to resource constraints. Contenders for the 2036 games include Ahmedabad in India; Santiago, Chile; Istanbul, Turkey; Nusantara, Indonesia and North Jeolla province in South Korea. Bids may also come in from Doha, Qatar, and Egypt's new administrative capital. All of these places have their strengths and weaknesses, including financial capacity, climate suitability and organisational ability. An established track record should also be an important factor. Taking into account population size, interest in sports, including medals won in past Olympics and organisational capability, the 2036 Summer Olympics should be held in Asia. In this regard, China has a very strong claim.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store