Zhang Yining crowned at World Cup
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-11-01 09:59

In a showdown between the current world number one and former top player, newly-crowned Olympic champion Zhang Yining proved she is the new generation on the top of the world.

Zhang thrashed Wang Nan 4-2 in the women's singles final and lifted the trophy at the Bosideng Multiglory ITTF World Cup in Xiaoshan of East China's Zhejiang Province on Sunday.

It was the first time that Zhang beat Wang head to head in a big event, winning 15-13, 7-11, 11-5, 11-6, 8-11, 11-8.

Zhang Yining of China holds the trophy and a bouquet of flowers after beating compatriot Wang Nan in the Women's Singles at the Bosideng Multiglory ITTF World Cup in Xiaoshan of East China's Zhejiang Province on Sunday. [Xinhua]

Zhang met some troubles in the opening game as the Sydney Olympic singles winner Wang took lead. However, she was determined to come back and set the tune of the whole match.

Zhang, 23, said: "I was a little bit nervous against Wang at first, but later I focused more on my game, not her. It is the best match I've played since the Athens Olympics as we all lack of practice since then."

Zhang said she never have the thought as the figure to spearhead Chinese women players instead of the defending champion Wang.

"Wang is still an excellent player. She is my gold-medal partner in Athens. I hope I can keep my winning steak," Zhang said.

The 26-year-old Wang admitted that she wasted some chances and did her best. "I performed my best. What I felt disappointed is that I should take the first game and be more determined on serves and receives," Wang said.

Though she was replaced by Zhang from the world number one spot, Wang said it was an important match for both of them. "It's important for us. For Zhang, she needs to prove herself after her Athens' glory. For me, it's a confidence booster which can help me better in the other big events."

In the third-place match, Tie Yana of Hong Kong, China, beat Li Jiawei of Singapore 4-1 (11-6, 11-9, 7-11, 11-8, 12-10).

In the past seventh edition of the World Cup, Wang had collected three titles while Zhang now has as many. The other two went to all-time great Deng Yaping and Li Ju.

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