WTT Grand Smash: Lin Yun-ju/Feng Yi-hsin Defeat Chilean Pair to Reach Semifinals

Taipei, July 2 (CNA) Taiwan's men's doubles pair Lin Yun-ju and Feng Yi-hsin defeated the Chilean duo of Gustavo Gomez and Nicolas Burgos 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the World Table Tennis (WTT) Grand Smash in the United States on Tuesday. They will now face a Chinese pair for a spot in the final.

Lin Yun-ju, known as the "Silent Assassin," teamed up with Feng Yi-hsin for the first time in nearly two years. The pair has shown impressive performance at the WTT Grand Smash, not only defeating the third-seeded Hong Kong pair of Wong Chun Ting and Ho Kwan Kit in the previous round but also winning their quarterfinal match 3-1 to advance to the semifinals.

Facing the Chilean pair of Gustavo Gomez and Nicolas Burgos, the Taiwanese duo started the first game poorly, losing four consecutive points. Despite their efforts to narrow the gap, they conceded the first game 6-11. However, Lin Yun-ju and Feng Yi-hsin found their rhythm in the second game, scoring four consecutive points at a crucial moment, with a bit of luck, to level the match at 11-8.

In the third game, with Lin Yun-ju's signature spin shots in full effect, the Taiwanese pair gradually took control of the match. Although the score was tied at one point, they responded with a 6-0 run to take a commanding 11-5 lead. Lin Yun-ju and Feng Yi-hsin carried their excellent form into the fourth game, ultimately winning 11-1 to secure their spot in the men's doubles semifinals, where they will face the Chinese pair of Wen Ruibo and Yuan Licen.

In other news, 17-year-old rising star Kuo Kuan-hung, who defeated Lin Yun-ju in the first round of the men's singles in a "Taiwanese derby," faced Japanese ace Yukiya Uda in the second round. Although he took the first game 11-4, he was subsequently defeated 10-12, 8-11, 7-11, failing to advance to the men's singles top 16. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) July 2, 2024 )