Chinese Xu reaps third title as table tennis competition concludes
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Chinese paddler Xu Xin collected his third East Asian Games title on Monday after defeating teammate Zhang Jike in the singles final.
In the last match of the night, Xu overcame Zhang 11-9, 11-5, 8-11, 11-3, 10-12, 11-4, just hours after the two worked together to claim the doubles crown, beating Chiang Peng-lung/Wu Chih-Chi from Chinese Taipei 13-11, 11-8, 11-7, 8-11 and 11-6.
Earlier, Yao Yan won a gruelling women's singles final, toiling to beat Chinese teammate Wen Jia 3-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-4, 8-11, 11-8 and 13-11.
It was Yao's first major competition title after she beat the 20-year-old Wen, national champion in 2008.
Love birds Tie Ya Na and Tang Peng from Hong Kong of China became temporary rivals in the mixed doubles final before the girl took the upper hand.
Tie and Ko Lai Chak breezed past Tang and Jiang Hua Jun 11-2, 11-9, 12-10 and 11-6 to lead the Hong Kong one-two finish.
"I was so free of pressure after winning the team title yesterday. That's why I could have a full display of my ability today," said Tie, 30. Hong Kong of China stunned China to win the women's team glory on Sunday.
Ai Fukuhara eventually stood on the top of the podium as she and her partner Kasumi Ishikawa came from behind twice in the first four sets before breaking away to beat Hiroko Fujii/Misako Wakamiya 10-12, 11-9, 2-11, 11-5, 11-8 and 11-6.
"I did a great job today. I am so happy," said Fukuhara, affectionately dubbed China Doll for her cute appearance. "The singles and team competition were bad experience for me but today I was really good."
Fukuhara had a disappointing singles competition, losing to China's Wen Jia in the quarterfinals and her team tumbled in the semifinals.
"I think I can have a good sleep tonight," she said.
The table tennis competition finished as China took four golds and Hong Kong had two. Japan bagged one.
