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At the Tokyo Paralympics, China’s Zhang Bian showcased her resilience and determination, coming from two games down to defeat compatriot Pan Jiamin in a thrilling women’s singles C5 final. After Pan won a tight opening game, she dominated the second, putting her within reach of the title. However, Zhang responded by taking the third game, setting the stage for a tense fourth game. Despite Pan’s two match point opportunities, Zhang fought back to force a decider. With the momentum on her side, Zhang raced to a 4-1 lead, but Pan leveled the score at 6-6 and 7-7. Ultimately, Zhang won the next four points to clinch a brilliant 12-4, 5-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-7 victory.
In the aftermath, Pan acknowledged her lack of experience, saying,
“When I was leading, I relaxed for a moment. After that, I wanted to tighten up, but I couldn’t.”
Zhang, on the other hand, explained her tactical adjustments, stating,
“I changed my strategy and decided not to attack too much and to hit the majority of my shots with underspin. I tried to move her around by hitting to both wings.”
China’s dominance was on full display, with the country winning five of the eight gold medals on offer in table tennis today. Mao Jingdian secured the women’s singles C8 title after coming from behind to beat Huang Wenjuan, while Yan Shuo defeated defending champion Will Bayley of Britain in the men’s singles C7 final. Zhou Ying cruised to victory in the women’s singles C4, and Xue Juan retained her women’s singles C3 title, adding to China’s impressive haul.
The other gold medalists were:
- Hungary’s Peter Palos, who edged out Australia’s Samuel von Einem in a thrilling men’s singles C11 final.
- Poland’s Patryk Chojnowski, who defeated France’s Mateo Boheas in the men’s singles C10 final.
This dynamic and engaging table tennis competition at the Tokyo Paralympics has showcased the remarkable talent and determination of the athletes, with China’s dominance a testament to the country’s prowess in the sport.
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