Top seeds Fan, Sun sail through first round at WTT Champions Xinxiang

Fan Zhendong of China hits a return during the men's singles round of 32 match against Felix Lebrun of France at the WTT Champions Xinxiang 2023 in Xinxiang, central China's Henan Province, April 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Top-ranked paddlers Fan Zhendong and Sun Yingsha of China both registered straight-game victories on their way to the second round at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Champions Xinxiang on Monday.

Fan beat 16-year-old Felix Lebrun of France 11-8, 11-9, 11-5, while Sun sailed past Doo Hoi Kem of Hong Kong, China 11-6, 12-10, 11-6.

"Despite the scoreline, it was intense in every game. Doo is a strong opponent, and she has made progress every time I face her, so I just focus on doing my best," commented Sun.

Other three Chinese paddlers also came through the tournament's first round. Liang Jingkun rallied from losing the first game to defeat Jang Woo-jin of South Korea 3-1. "I think I prepared very well today, both in terms of my state and technique," said WTT Star Contender Goa winner Liang.

Liang joined his compatriot Wang Chuqin in the men's singles last 16 as the world No. 2 Wang eased past Wong Chun Ting of Hong Kong, China in straight games.

"We are quite familiar with each other as we have many opportunities for training together," Wang said, adding that he made full preparation for the match and that the first game was crucial to his victory.

Wang Yidi got past Chen Szu-Yu of Chinese Taipei 3-1 to reach the women's singles second round.

Shan Xiaona and Han Ying of Germany, Hina Hayata and Kasumi Ishikawa of Japan, and Cheng I-Ching of Chinese Taipei secured their berths in the women's last 16.

On the men's side, Lee Sang-su of South Korea, Sweden's Truls Moregard, French teenager Alexis Lebrun and Brazilian ace Hugo Calderano advanced to the second round.

The remaining four games in the first round and a part of second-round games are scheduled to take place on Tuesday.

Felix Lebrun of France hits a return during the men's singles round of 32 match against Fan Zhendong of China at the WTT Champions Xinxiang 2023 in Xinxiang, central China's Henan Province, April 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

Fan Zhendong of China hits a return during the men's singles round of 32 match against Felix Lebrun of France at the WTT Champions Xinxiang 2023 in Xinxiang, central China's Henan Province, April 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

Felix Lebrun of France serves the ball during the men's singles round of 32 match against Fan Zhendong of China at the WTT Champions Xinxiang 2023 in Xinxiang, central China's Henan Province, April 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)