World No. 3 Wang Manyu reaches last 32 at WTT China Smash

Wang Manyu of China is seen before the women's singles first round match against Shi Xunyao of China at 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Sept. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- World No. 3 Wang Manyu defeated her teammate Shi Xunyao 3-1 in the women's singles first round at the World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash on Monday.

Wang comfortably took the first two sets 11-7, 11-8 but faced a strong comeback from Shi in the third set. The 23-year-old Shi led 5-1 early on and eventually claimed the set 11-9. In the fourth set, Wang nearly lost when the score reached 8-10 but managed to win four consecutive points to secure her spot in the last 32.

"I think Shi's strength and state have been excellent recently. Before the match, I knew it would be very tough, so I prepared fully for the difficulties," said the Olympic champion Wang.

"I believe my skills had a certain effect in the first two sets, but from the third set on, I had no advantage. I think the best part of my performance today was not letting the score lag affect my mindset," she added.

Later on Monday evening, China's six-time Olympic champion Ma Long is set to compete against Liam Pitchford of England at the tournament held in Beijing's Shougang Park.

Wang Manyu of China serves during the women's singles first round match against Shi Xunyao of China at 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Sept. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Shi Xunyao of China hits a return during the women's singles first round match against Wang Manyu of China at 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Sept. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Wang Manyu of China hits a return during the women's singles first round match against Shi Xunyao of China at 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Sept. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Shi Xunyao of China hits a return during the women's singles first round match against Wang Manyu of China at 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Sept. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Wang Manyu (R) of China reacts during the women's singles first round match against Shi Xunyao of China at 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Sept. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Wang Manyu of China celebrates scoring during the women's singles first round match against Shi Xunyao of China at 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Sept. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Wang Manyu of China is seen before the women's singles first round match against Shi Xunyao of China at 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Sept. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)