China

China survives scares at Asiad table tennis

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-11-29 20:14

Members of the Chinese delegation to the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 wave before a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Asian Games Athletes Village in Doha, capital of Qatar, November 29, 2006. The 15th Asia's grandest sports meeting will run from December 1-15. [Xinhua]

DOHA -- Table tennis giant China got some scares at the unusual serving style of a Yemen paddler as the world champions eased past their first test at the Asian Games men's team event, starting at the Al Arabi Indoor Hall here on Wednesday.

"Some of my players were not familiar with the serving style of the Yemeni paddlers, and got a little bit panic on receivings," said Liu Guoliang, head coach of the Chinese men's table tennis team who won their opening match in Doha without losing a set.

Hao Shuai was the most affected one as the Asiad debutant was forced to a 10-10 tie in his second set and only managed the set point by exploiting some mistakes of his opponent.

"He (Hao Shuai) is just the better player than Mohammed Al Hashedi to win 11-4, 12-10 and 11-4," commented Liu. "But the scares we suffered alarm that no team should take less seriously on the stage of the Asiad."

China next play India and Japan in other Group A encounters of the men's team first round.

"I believe that my players can perform better and better," said a confident Liu, who has led China to win a clean sweep at the 48th World Championships.