Digest

TABLE TENNIS

Chen crowned champ at Women's World Cup

China's world No 1 Chen Meng beat compatriot Sun Yingsha 4-1 in the ITTF Women's World Cup final in Weihai, Shandong province, on Tuesday.

No 3 seed Sun fought back from 6-10 down to take the first set 13-11.However, top seed Chen quickly closed the door to reel off the next four sets (11-6, 11-9, 11-6, 11-8) and claim the trophy at her first attempt.

"This win is a significant breakthrough for me. About half a month ago, I got the national championship here, and now I'm the World Cup winner," said the 26-year-old.

Chen hopes to carry her momentum into the ITTF World Tour Grand Finals in Zhengzhou, Henan province, (Nov 19-22) as she seeks a fourth title in a row at the event.

"This win will boost my confidence and help me chase glory in the ITTF Finals," she said.

World No 2 Mima Ito of Japan won the third-place playoff by thrashing 37-year-old German Han Ying 4-0 (11-2, 11-7, 11-9, 11-4). "After losing to Sun in the semifinals this afternoon, I adjusted my mindset and quickly got into the third-place match," said Ito.

BADMINTON

Elite shuttlers reign at national championships

World No 1 mixed doubles pair Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong and second-ranked women's singles shuttler Chen Yufei claimed gold medals for Zhejiang at the 2020 Chinese Badminton Championships in Baoji, Shaanxi province, on Tuesday.

"We regarded the clash as an international match, you know we had very few tough games before the final, so we had to quickly level up," said Huang.

"In a best-of-seven match, you must stay focused every second. We made some mistakes midway through the second and third sets, so we suffered some setbacks," Zheng said.

In the women's singles final, Chen's experience told in a 4-2(11-13,11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 13-11, 11-9) victory over rising star Wang Zhiyi.

Weng Hongyang of Fujian took the men's title by edging Gu Junfeng of Liaoning in six thrilling sets (11-5,11-7, 6-11, 11-7, 5-11, 11-6).

Chen Xiaofei and Feng Xueying of Guangdong were crowned women's doubles champions after a 4-1(14-12,15-14, 4-11, 11-4, 11-3) win over An Yu and Liu Shengshu of Liaoning.

In the men's doubles, Liu Yuchen and Feng Yanzhe of Beijing saw off Liu Cheng and Huang Kaixiang of Fujian 4-1 (11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-5).

SOCCER

Hebei hoping to make Goulart deal permanent

Hebei China Fortune coach Xie Feng says he is hopeful of securing a permanent deal for naturalized striker aka Ricardo Goulart in time for next season's Chinese Super League campaign.

Having returned to China from his native Brazil following a lengthy injury hiatus, Goulart was loaned to Hebei from Guangzhou Evergrande shortly before the pandemic-delayed CSL season kicked off in July.

The 29-year-old has impressed at Hebei with four goals and three assists, and Xie said on Monday: "Ricardo is a valued member of our team, even though he's only been here for a few months.

"As the manager I hope he can stay, but it all depends on the negotiation between the two clubs."

Goulart, who joined Evergrande from Cruzerio in 2015, said: "I've been with Hebei for three months now and I've made many friends. We have a strong team here.

"I know my loan contract will expire soon, but the club will decide. And I believe there will be a decision soon. I highly respect my manager. He has my number, so he can feel free to call me anytime."

BASEBALL

Mattingly, Cash named MLB's best managers

Tampa Bay's Kevin Cash won the America League Manager of the Year award on Tuesday night, and Miami's Don Mattingly took home the National League honor.

Long regarded as one of baseball's bright young minds, Cash guided Tampa Bay to an AL-best 40-20 record during the pandemic-shortened season. However, he was roundly criticized for pulling ace left-hander Blake Snell in the sixth inning of the decisive Game 6 in the World Series against the eventual champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

Voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America concluded before the beginning of the playoffs. Rick Renteria, who was let go by the Chicago White Sox after the team made the postseason for the first time since 2008, finished second, followed by Charlie Montoyo of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Mattingly guided the Marlins to their first playoff appearance since 2003. The Marlins' 31-29 record was Mattingly's first winning season in his fifth year with the club. The former big-league first baseman had a winning record in each of his five seasons as manager of the Dodgers.

Xinhua - Agencies