(Translated from article written by a reporter for udnnews, a news agency in Taiwan.)
Although China was led by two Olympians, Wang Liqin and Liu Guozheng, the Chinese Taipei team still managed to beat China in the World Collegiate TT team championship finals 4-1, winning this title for the second time.
In the past China seldom sent their best players to this tournament. But being the host this time, it put in its strongest line-up, hoping to sweep the 7 events. But Taipei put an early end to that hope.
It was sweet revenge for Chiang Peng Lung. He faced Liu Guozheng in the first set. He only allowed Liu 9 points in the first game. In the second, he led all the way, winning the game at 15.
Chiang also played in the 5th set against Wang Liqin. He scored the first 5 points and had the lead throughout the first game, winning at 14. In the second game, he led 16-11 after a series of ferocious attacks, and won it at 21-12.
"I did not repeat my Olympic mistakes", Chiang said afterwards. In Sydney, Chiang suffered from his serve return game. Now he tried to return serves with his forehand instead of backhand, and in rallies paid attention to the opponents' lane changes. His short placements worked well, his own attacks were consistent, and he set the pace in the matches.
In the 3rd set, Taiwan's Chuan Chi-Yuan played Zhang Yong. Behind 16-19 in the first game, Chuan served and scored the next 5 points to win it. That changed the momentum, and he won the second game at 21-17.
The doubles team of Chang Yuan-Su and Chiang beat Zhang-Liu in the 4th set 2-1 (17, -8, 15). Chang Yuan-Su lost to Wang in the second set; that was the only point China scored.
The individual events will conclude Sunday, October 29.