One of the shining stories of the week in Chengdu, Romanias dream of making it all the way to the final at ITTF Mixed Team World Cup Chengdu 2024 presented by CHINA TELECOM was dashed on Sunday morning, with China outclassing the European side 8-1.

Meeting in a repeat of Saturday nights Stage 2 showdown, Romania managed to improve on the 8-0 defeat it endured in that encounter, as Bernadette Szocs and Ovidiu Ionescu picked up a game in a 2-1 loss to Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin (11-8, 11-3, 9-11).

However, it was one-way traffic from that point on as China upped the ante. Playing with real freedom, Wang Manyu showcased her excellence in a straight games win over Adina Diaconu (11-4, 11-5, 11-7), and then it was Lin Shidongs turn to light up Sichuan Gymnasium, beating Eduard Ionescu 3-0 (11-5, 11-8, 11-6) to secure Chinas ticket to the final.

Compared to the previous singles matches, I played much better today. I was always caught up when I had a small lead in the first two matches, but today I handled the details of each point much better. Lin Shidong

Awaiting China in the final is Korea Republic, after the latter team produced an 8-5 victory over Hong Kong, China in the other semifinal.

Playing out an end-to-end contest, both teams had their moment in the sun. Doo Hoi Kem was the standout for Hong Kong, China, posting an impressive 3-0 win against Suh Hyo Won (11-5, 11-5, 12-10).

In the following match between Jang Woojin and Wong Chun Ting, TTR (Table Tennis Review) was called into action for the first time this week, confirming a let service from Wong at 2-5 in game two, with the point having previously been awarded to the Hong Kong, China player. Consequently, the point was replayed, and it was Jang who assumed the driving seat from that moment on (3-11, 11-3, 11-2). Back-to-back doubles successes would follow for Korea Republic, sending the team into the evenings title showdown with a win.

The let ball in the second game didnt really affect me. Before the match, I didnt even know about the replay challenge system, but I think using this method to maintain a certain level of fairness is a good thing. Honestly, I couldnt see if my serve had touched the net, but after the referee reviewed the replay and ruled it a let serve, I didnt feel it had much impact. Wong Chun Ting

With the semifinals now in the books, just two matches remain to be settled as Romania and Hong Kong, China lock horns in the bronze medal match at 17:00 (GMT+8), before China and Korea Republic clash for the Guoliang-Sörling Trophy at 19:00 (GMT+8).