Xu Xin and Guo Yue both booked their places in the Chinese National Team for the forthcoming Liebherr World Team Championships in Moscow by winning the first selection tournaments in January.

Only the winner was assured of a place and both 20 year old Xu Xin and 21 year old Guo Yue, who enjoyed mixed fortunes on the ITTF Pro Tour in February, staved off challenges from their colleagues to clinch first place in the round robin tournaments.

At the Qatar Open Guo Yue excelled by winning the Women’s Singles crown but then in Kuwait succumbed in the third round against the rapid fire attacking play of Japan’s Ai Fukuhara whilst for Xu Xin it was the reverse scenario.

Qatar Sadness, Kuwait Gold
In Qatar he suffered a first round exit losing to Korea’ Seo Hyun Deok but then after gaining a quarter-final reprieve against Wang Liqin, he progressed to win the Men’s Singles crown in Kuwait.

Two tough tournaments for both Guo Yue and Xu Xin but both can now sit back and watch their colleagues battle for the remaining places in the Chinese Team to travel to Russia.

Women’s Selection Tournament
The leading 16 female players from the tournament in January will compete in Tianjin on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th March.

Initially the players will be drawn into two groups with eight players in each group; the top two players in each group will progress to the second stage which will be based on the knock-out principle.

The winner qualifies for a place in the team to travel to Moscow.

Not Required
Having qualified in January Guo Yue is not required to play and also absent will be Li Xiaoxia. She has appendicitis.

Meanwhile, the men will gather in Haerbin city in Heilongjiang Province from Wednesday 10th to Friday 12th March 2012.

Single Elimination Principle
Eight men have been invited to participate with the tournament being organized on the knock-out principle.

In the opening round in the top half of the draw Ma Long meets Hao Shuai whilst Chen Qi confronts Ma Lin; in the lower half of the draw it is Wang Liqin in opposition to Zhang Jike and Wang Hao against Lei Zhenzhua.

Originally Xu Xin was due to play but having won in January is not required to participate, his place has been taken by Lei Zhenhua.

Source: www.ittf.com

Written by :

Dimosthenis Messinis

 

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