GLASGOW: Singapore beat Malaysia 3-0 in the women’s table tennis final to secure a fourth straight gold in the event at the Commonwealth Games yesterday.
The strong favourites suffered a mild surprise when they lost their first match since their win in the inaugural tournament in 2002 in their semi-final win over India.
But they were far slicker against the sixth seed Malaysians, who shocked second seeds Australia in the semi-finals, and did not lose a match.
Australia beat India 3-1 in the bronze medal match.
In the final, world number 10 Yu Mengyu, beaten by India’s Manika Batra on Saturday lost her first game against Sock Khim Ng 11-7.
But she fought through to win her rubber by taking the next three games 11-5, 11-9, 11-9.
Singapore’s top player Feng Tianwei produced a controlled performance with an 11-8, 11-5, 11-4 over Lee Wei Beh.
Lin Ye and Yu then edged a tight match against Ying Ho and Lee Wei in the doubles with an 11-9, 11-13, 11-9, 11-5 to continue their domination of the event.
They will now look to continue their run of success in the singles and doubles events and are strong favourites for a clean sweep.
After the shock of losing the semi-final to Malaysia, Australia coach Jens Lang admitted it was a major relief to win a medal.
India’s Manika Batra beat Lay Jian Fang to make it 1-1 against Australia in the bronze medal match.
But Lang’s team won the doubles and Zhang Ziyu beat Madhurika Suhas Patkar to seal bronze after two hours and 43 minutes.
AFP
