Wang Nan wins World Cup

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

ITTF Press Release

China’s Wang Nan, the number two seed, won the Women’s Singles crown at the Volkswagen Women’s World Cup in Chengdu on Sunday 30th September 2007 beating the number one seed, her compatriot, Zhang Yining in the final

Wang Nan in superb form, back to her best, won 11-5, 8-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-8.

It was the fourth time in her career that she had won the title her previous wins being in 1997 in Shanghai, the following year in Taipei and in 2003 in Hong Kong.

She now matches the record of Zhang Yining who has also won four times, her victories being in 2001 in Wuhu, in 2002 in Singapore, in 2004 in Xiaoshan and 2005 in Guangzhou.

Previous World Cup Duels
They had met on two previous occasions in the Women’s World Cup. In December 2003 they duelled at the semi-final stage when Wang Nan won in four straight games whilst one year later they encountered each other in the final.

On that occasion Zhang Yining gained revenge. She won in six games.

Victory
The match started with a series of exciting rallies that enthralled the crowd, fast counter attacking exchanges were on view; it was high class sport.

Honours were shared in the early stages with the scores being equal at 4-all; however, from that point onwards Wang Nan seized control. She surrendered only one more point to win the game 11-5.

It was first blood to Wang Nan.

Early Advantage
In the second game the early advantage went to Zhang Yining. She went ahead 3-0 but the next three points all went the way of Wang Nan. At 3-all, it was parity.

Wang Nan was gaining success by play fast from the backhand, the angles she created caused Zhang Yining problems; meanwhile, success for Zhang Yining came from heavy topspin play deep into the body of her adversary.

Tactics
Both tactics met with success and at 5-all there nothing to choose between the two combatants. Long rallies ensued with Zhang Yining prevailing to move ahead 7-5.

She maintained the two point advantage at 8-6, extended the lead to 9-6, then 10-6. Four games points, Wang Nan saved the first two but serving Zhang Yining secured the third it was one game all.

Fantastic Rallies
The third game saw the two players locked at 5-all; Wang Nan won the next two points, Zhang Yining secured the next, then an outstanding counter attacking rally. It was won by Wang Nan, the speed, movement, balance and anticipation of both players quite awesome.

Neither player could establish an advantage, at 8-all it was again parity. Serving Zhang Yining lost the next two points, the advantage was with Wang Nan and she made the most of the advantage. She secured the next point to move one game to the good.

Initiative
Staying close to the table, seizing the initiative, Wang Nan moved into a 5-1 lead in the third game as Zhang Yining made errors and looked somewhat forlorn.

Exciting rallies followed with honours shared but the advantage was always with Wang Nan, she won the game 11-6.

Positive
The third game had seen a most positive performance by Wang Nan. In the fourth game that role was fulfilled by Zhang Yining in the early stages.

She established a 7-4 lead.

Title
Wang Nan reduced the arrears to 7-6 prompting Zhang Yining to call `Time Out’.

The break worked initially in favour of Wang Nan, she won the next point to level at 7-all; the next two points were shared then it was advantage Wang Nan at 9-8, then 10-8.

A chance of victory, it was secured at the first attempt. Wang Nan was the champion.

Image: Wang Nan winner of the Volkswagen Women's World Cup (courtesy of ITTF)

Wang Nan wins World Cup

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