Olympic Team Swept The Warm-Up Match In Chengdu (Videos, Photos)

The final warm-up match of the Chinese Team was indeed close to the real game in London. It has the blue floors, Olympic tables, the media, and the schedule. Tonight, the Chinese Olympic Team was tested for a second time for the Team competition.

Just like the previous warm-up match the Chinese Men Team conducted in Xiamen, the Olympic Team of Zhang Jike, Wang Hao and Ma Long encountered the second team of Xu Xin, Ma Lin and Wang Liqin. Previously, it was the hopefuls who won the match with a tight 3-2. Tonight, much was expected from the Olympic Team.  

MA LONG vs XU XIN, China warm-up
video kindly shared by janus770

The first match was between the Olympic third person Ma Long and the substitute player Xu Xin, in what could have been a "final" from the warm-up singles competition ended yesterday. The two players ushered the match with equal amount of strength and tied in 1-1. In fact, both players carried out power throughout the match, leading them to the decider. After five sets, Ma Long got full momentum and overcame Xu Xin by 9-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7 and 11-4. 

WANG HAO vs MA LIN, China warm-up
video kindly shared by janus770

The second match was between the Beijing Olympic Men Singles finalists Wang Hao and Ma Lin. In their match, Wang Hao was determined to redeem himself from his losses. Indeed, it only took Wang Hao four sets to take down the reigning Olympic champion Ma Lin (11-7, 9-11, 11-5,11-9).

Eventually, the Olympic Team was off with a big 2-0 advantage. Earlier this morning, the Olympic Team was in the same situation against the much younger opponents Shang Kun, Fang Bo, Yan An and Ma Te. However, the pair of Zhang Jike and Ma Long lost to Fang Bo and Yan An failing to nail a sweep victory. 

ZHANG JIKE / MA LONG vs XU XIN / WANG LIQIN, China warm-up
video kindly shared by janus770

Tonight, Zhang Jike was in the same position, he played the Doubles but this time he was with Wang Hao. They faced the Shanghai duo of Wang Liqin and Xu Xin. Comparing to the earlier results, the tandem of Zhang Jike and Wang Hao played better. After four sets, the Olympic duo scored 11-8, 11-8, 5-11, and 11-8.

At the end, Zhang Jike, Wang Hao and Ma Long completed a wonderful sweep victory, way better from their performance in Xiamen several days ago. Before, doubts were raised as to the capacity of the Olympic Team. Now, since they achieved outstanding results, could this mean they are now set for the real challenge in London? 

Photo source: sports.sina.com.cn