Today, in the round of 16 for the Paris Olympic women’s singles table tennis competition, defending champion Chen Meng faced off against Dutch player Irland.
In the first game, Chen Meng started poorly, trailing 1-6, then began a spirited comeback, bringing the score to 6-7. However, Irland capitalized on Chen Meng’s mistakes and scored consecutively, taking the first game 11-8.
In the second game, Chen Meng’s form began to improve, going up 7-1. Then, Irland launched a counterattack, scoring four points in a row. Fortunately, Chen Meng promptly adjusted her state, winning four points in a row to take the game 11-5.
In the third game, Chen Meng trailed 1-3 at the start but quickly adjusted, winning four consecutive points. Irland called a timeout. Returning from the break, Chen Meng maintained her offensive pressure, leading 10-5. Although her opponent saved one game point, Chen Meng won easily, 11-6.
The fourth game was fiercely contested. Chen Meng took advantage of Irland’s consecutive errors to establish an 8-3 lead and maintained this advantage, winning the game 11-4. She led 3-1 overall.
In the fifth game, Irland took an early 4-1 lead. However, Chen Meng quickly adjusted, winning nine points in a row to take a 10-4 lead with six match points. Irland then saved two match points in a row. Coach Ma Lin called a timeout. Returning from the break, Irland continued to score, and Chen Meng lost four points in a row. Thankfully, on the fifth match point, Chen Meng seized the opportunity and won the fifth game 11-8.
Chen Meng ultimately defeated Irland 4-1 to advance to the quarterfinals.