Lots of work to be done for China to return to top of men's table tennis, Wang says
China's top table tennis official has heaped praise on the country's paddlers after they swept the singles titles at the World Championships in Doha, but said challenges remained in improving the men's game.
At the Lusail Sports Arena on Sunday, Wang Chuqin won his first world title in the men's singles, while compatriot Sun Yingsha defended her crown from two years ago. Wang and Sun also won the mixed doubles event, while Kuai Man and Wang Manyu won the women's competition.
However, Japan's Hiroto Shinozuka and Shunsuke Togami won the men's doubles titles, with China failing to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1975.
'We made it to the final in four events, and three of them were against athletes from other countries,' Wang Liqin, president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, said.
'According to the previously set goals and calculations, we were very determined to reach the final and ultimately achieved this victory, including this time, in the men's singles event.
Gold medallist Sun Yingsha (right) with compatriot and silver medallist Wang Manyu. Photo: EPA
'For us, the biggest challenge is the men. Compared to the women, our entire male team still needs to improve their ability and experience in major competitions.'
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