China sets up women's final against Japan at table tennis team worlds

Sun Yingsha of China serves in the singles match against Elizabeta Samara of Romania during the women's teams semifinal match between China and Romania at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in London, Britain, on May 9, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

LONDON, May 9 (Xinhua) - China sailed past Romania 3-0 in the women's team semifinals on Saturday to set up a repeat of the final against Japan at the 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals.

China had dominated Romania 3-0 in the group stage, with Romania resting its highest-ranked player Bernadette Szocs and veteran Elizabeta Samara. Like that match, China didn't concede a game en route to a comfortable win on Saturday.

Sun Yingsha cruised past 37-year-old Samara 11-3, 11-4, 11-5 to earn China the lead.

"For the semifinals, my priority was to stay concentrated," Sun said. "Romania had shown its strength all the way to the semifinals. Facing Samara, the main point for me was about the mentality. She is an experienced player and as a left-hander, has many changes on her serves."

Wang Manyu beat world No. 26 Szocs 11-4, 11-9 and 12-10, as China moved a step closer to the final.

"Szocs has shown her strength on serves and rallies, so I need to prepare well for it," Wang noted.

Kuai Man closed out the tie for China, overcoming a slow start on the way to a 12-10, 11-6, 12-10 victory over Andreea Dragoman.

"I was a bit conservative with my first three strokes and too cautious when dealing with the ball, offering a lot of chances for the opponent," Kuai said.

China and Japan will meet in the final for the sixth time in a row since 2012. Two years ago in South Korea's Busan, China won 3-2 to claim its sixth consecutive title.

Speaking of Sunday's title showdown, Sun said, "Japan is one of the strongest sides in the women's event in terms of its overall strength. Actually we have prepared for this duel during our preparations. We are familiar with each other, and it will be a close battle. I hope that we can show our best tomorrow."

Despite the defeat, Romania has secured a medal in the women's team event for the first time in 26 years.

Nina Mittelham of Germany competes in the singles match against Hashimoto Honoka of Japan during the women's teams semifinal match between Germany and Japan at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in London, Britain, on May 9, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)