by Ian Marshall, Editor

A tentative start from both pairs in the opening game, the rallies brief, Liu Gaoyang and Zhang Rui, the former a left hander, the latter a right hander, able to play their forehands at the earliest opportunity made the better start.

Adept over the table, seizing the initiative the Chinese duo established a 5-1 lead, Sun Jiayi and Zeng Jian reduced the deficit to one point at 6-5 but never gained parity.

One game to the good but Liu Gaoyang and Zhang Rui were not able to establish their authority on proceedings; in the second games they led by one point at 8-7. Sung Jiayi and Zeng Jian elected for “Time Out”. The players returned, Sun Jiayi and Zeng Jian won the next point but the next two went to Liu Gaoyang and Zhang Rui; two games points. Both were saved before at 11-10, Sun Jiayi and Zeng Jian held game point.

It was the pivotal point in the whole match; the chance was not taken; Liu Gaoyang and Zhang Rui won the next three points. They led by two games to nil.

Now they were relaxed, from start to finish they dominated the third game; at 10-2, they held eight match points, the chance was taken; their first ever ITTF World Tour Women’s Doubles title was seized.

“We are feeling very good. We are really happy now. The most difficult match for us in the tournament was the semi-final. The Japanese team, Kasumi Ishikawa and Mima Ito, was very difficult to beat.” Liu Gaoyang

It was all smiles in the Chinese camp.