Suzhou (China), May 2 (IANS) Two-time defending champion Zhang Jike from China withstood a late challenge from Japanese rival Jun Mizutani to reach the men’s singles last four at the world table tennis championships here on Saturday.
Zhang had to overcome a third set slump and some dicey moments in the fifth before beating the Japanese 11-4, 11-6, 10-12, 11-5, 11-9, reports Xinhua.
Zhang was joined by three other Chinese players Ma Long, Fang Bo and Fan Zhendong in the men’s singles semi-finals, securing the gold in advance for host China.
China has also secured the women’s singles gold as the world’s top two players Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen will vie for the title.
On Friday, Chinese Xu Xin teamed up with South Korean Yang Hae-un and won the mixed doubles title.