SHENZHEN, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 paddlers Lin Shidong and Sun Yingsha both secured spots in the men's and women's semifinals at the 34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup on Saturday, with Sun edging past world No. 6 Miwa Harimoto of Japan 4-2 and Lin smashing Yukiya Uda of Japan 4-1 in the quarters.
"There are so many fans cheering for me, which gave me confidence after I lost two games. It was a tough match, but I am happy to win it finally," Sun reflected.
"Miwa played very well today, and we have faced each other many times during the Paris Olympic cycle. She is young and talented, and I believe she will make big progress," the Olympic women's team and mixed doubles champion added.
In other men's quarterfinals, second seed Wang Chuqin of China dominated Japan's Shunsuke Togami in straight games. China's Liang Jingkun pulled off a 4-2 upset over defending champion Tomokazu Harimoto of Japan, while Huang Youzheng of China was defeated by Lin Yun-ju of Chinese Taipei 4-3.
The women's singles will feature all-Chinese semifinals, with second seed Wang Manyu overcoming Cheng I-Ching of Chinese Taipei 4-1, Chen Xingtong defeating Japan's Mima Ito 4-1, and Kuai Man edging past teammate Wang Yidi 4-2.
The Asian Cup will conclude on Sunday. Sun will face Chen in the women's semifinals, while Wang Manyu will meet Kuai. Wang Chuqin will play Lin Yun-ju in the men's draw, and Lin Shidong will take on Liang. Enditem
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