体坛英语新闻：Chinese paddlers secure quarters berths at TT worlds

DORTMUND, Germany, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Both of Chinese women's and men's teams secured places in the quarter-finals of the world team table tennis championships after respective victories in group stage on Wednesday.

In Group A of men's actions, China defeated Hong Kong of China for their fourth consecutive win in the championships. Reigning individual world champion Zhang Jike started with a 3-0 victory against Leung Chu Yan (11-5, 11-7, 11-8), and Wang Hao also notched up an easy win by beating Li Ching 11-6, 11-6, 11-9.

The closest battle was between Ma Lin, world number seven, and Cheung Yuk. The Olympic champion from China came from one set down to wrap up the match 7-11, 11-9, 11-5, 8-11, 11-4.

"Ma had some problems today," said coach Liu Guoliang. "He should have done better, anyway he controlled the match finally. The Hong Kong team is a traditional powerhouse. They have skills and experience and thus are difficult to play against."

Earlier on Wednesday, the Chinese women handed Romania its first defeat in Group A. Ding Ning dropped the opening game but still defeated Bernadette Szocs 6-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-4. Guo Yue beat Daniela Dodean 11-8, 11-5, 11-7, while Li Xiaoxia sail through with an 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 victory against Camelia Postoaca.

The Chinese men will play Slovenia in the final group match on Wednesday evening and their women counterparts meet the U.S..