China secure table tennis mixed doubles gold at Jakarta Asiad

JAKARTA - China has secured the gold medal in table tennis mixed doubles as its two pairs made into the final at the 18th Asian Games here on Wednesday.

Following three rounds action, China's Lin Gaoyuan and Wang Manyu took on Ho Kwan Kit and Lee Ho Ching of Hong Kong, China in the semifinals. The Chinese pair withstood little challenge en route to their 11-7, 11-7, 11-3, 11-3 victory over Ho and Lee.

"It's a bit tough to play four matches in a single day. It has proved our good preparation ahead of the Games," said Wang, showing her confidence in final.

"I feel better and better. I'm quite confident in winning the gold medal with my partner," she added.

For Lin, playing four matches was a challenge both physically and mentally.

"There's one last step from the gold medal. I need to calm down and make full preparation for the final tomorrow," Lin commented.

In the other semifinal, Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha breezed past Indian duo of Sharath Kamal Achanta and Manika Batra 11-9, 11-5, 11-13, 11-4, 11-8, setting up an all-Chinese final on Thursday.

"We are quite familiar with each other," Sun talked about the final against teammates, adding that she will try her best with Wang.

"We withstood pressure today. Fewer errors at crucial points will make the difference tomorrow," Wang pointed out.

Table tennis powerhouses China lost the mixed doubles gold medal four years ago in Incheon, the only in seven disciplines.