Lin Shidong beaten in thriller at WTT Europe Smash, Moregard eyes ‘big party’
Sun Yingsha triumphs in an all-China women’s final in Malmo
World No 1 Lin Shidong was beaten by Truls Moregard in the men’s final at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Europe Smash in Sweden on Sunday, after Sun Yingsha defeated Wang Manyu in the women’s final.
An epic battle between the men’s pair at the Malmo Arena was settled in Moregard’s favour only after Lin had staged a recovery from 3-1 behind to level at 3-3 then lead 9-8 in the decider.
Sweden’s Moregard won the first game 11-8 before China’s 20-year-old Lin hit back by the same scoreline. Moregard raced ahead, taking the next two 12-10 and 11-8. The next went Lin’s way 11-4, and so did the next, just, 13-11.
Moregard claimed three points in a row to edge the seventh 11-9 and clinch a 4-3 triumph for the host nation.
National Games: what to watch on Monday as Hong Kong rower Chiu, handball team hunt medals
Swimming events begin in Shenzhen, while beach volleyball draws to a close at Hong Kong’s Victoria Park
Sunday’s opening ceremony may have marked the official start of China’s National Games, but some of the sports were already days into their competitions.
Here is our guide to the day ahead.
Monday’s highlights
Medals are up for grabs on Monday for Hong Kong in rowing and handball, while the swimmers enter the fray.
