Chinese men stumble at TMS Singapore Open, Chinese women perform well

(BEIJING, June 7) -- The men of the Chinese table tennis team struggled in the TMS Singapore Open on June 6, while the women played well, earning spots in the next round.

Chinese player Wang Liqin, the top-seed on the men's side and a three-time medalist in the world championships, was beaten by Zhang Yu from Hong Kong. His compatriots Chen Qi and Li Ping also suffered defeats. Only Ma Long managed to move to the top 16 from China's men's team.

The women's side was a different story. Yao Yan, who is ranked only 48 in the world, beat compatriot Liu Shiwen to move to the next round. Li Xiaoxia, Guo Yan, Fan Ying and Chang Chenchen, all of China, were also victorious.

The TMS Singapore Open, which is the last major table tennis competition before the Olympic Games, started on June 5. All the events will be finished on June 8.