A major upset at the WTT Finals! The world’s top mixed doubles pair suffers a heavy defeat as Lin Shidong/Kuai Man lose 1-3 to the Korean duo.

On December 13th, Beijing time, the WTT Hong Kong Finals began with high energy. The mixed doubles semifinal just finished between Lin Shidong/Kuai Man and the Korean team Lim Jonghoon/Shin Yubin. Although the Chinese pair led 1-0, they unexpectedly faltered and were defeated in three consecutive games, losing 1-3. Consequently, China missed out on sweeping the mixed doubles titles, leaving the responsibility of winning to the Olympic champion Sha’s pair!

Lin Shidong and Kuai Man hold the world number one ranking in mixed doubles; both excel in singles and have played together for a long time, showing excellent teamwork. They have previously beaten the Sha duo multiple times and advanced to the semifinals with a 2-1 record from the group stage. The Korean duo Lim Jonghoon and Shin Yubin are ranked second globally, equally strong and well-coordinated, having won all three group matches to top their group and reach the semifinals. According to the rules, these two pairs competed for a spot in the final. Most expected the Chinese pair to advance, but surprisingly, they were upset by the Korean team!

The match started with Lin and Kuai demonstrating flawless coordination, launching powerful attacks to take the first game 11-6. In the second game, the Chinese pair built a significant lead but suddenly lost momentum. The Korean duo launched a strong counterattack, scoring in a streak to overturn the score and win the game, leveling it 1-1. After losing that game, Lin and Kuai’s mindset seemed shaken, leading to multiple errors and a completely suppressed offense, resulting in a heavy 2-11 loss in the third game. Facing elimination in the fourth game, they fought fiercely, staying close to their opponents and reaching critical points. However, the Korean team maintained steady play and clinched the game 14-12, completing a 3-1 comeback to eliminate Lin and Kuai, ending China’s hopes and causing a shocking upset to reach the final!

With this result, the Korean pair Lim Jonghoon and Shin Yubin secured their place in the final first, crushing China’s goal of taking both gold and silver in mixed doubles. The Korean duo will now await the winner between Wang Chuqin/Sun Yingsha and Matsushima Teruaki/Zhang Ben Miwa for the championship match. It is expected that the Sha duo will sweep past the Japanese pair to reach the final. Let’s stay tuned!

Written by / Sports Novel