Chinese men's table tennis overcomes singles loss to win team event

The Chinese team celebrate after winning the men's team match of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games table tennis events at the Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug 17, 2016. [Photo/IC]

RIO DE JANEIRO - China added a men's team gold medal here on Wednesday to sweep titles of the Olympic table tennis competitions for the third straight time.

The all-time leading Chinese men's team, twice champions at as many previous Olympic Games after the team events took the place of doubles since Beijing 2008, claimed a 3-1 victory in the final over Japan, who made history by reaching an Olympic final of men's table tennis.

It was the 28th gold medal won by China since the sport was introduced at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

World No. 1 Ma Long, who came out the fifth Grand Slam man after being crowned at singles in Rio, scored two points in Wednesday evening's final to lift the whole team up.

The 28-year-old started strong as the first positioned singles player, overcoming a mid-way blast and some netballs from the 22nd-ranked Koki Niwa, just 21 years old, to win in straight sets, 11-6, 11-9, 11-6.