Wang Hao Lost In The Final Warm-Up Match In Chengdu (Videos, Photos)

The final warm-up match of the Chinese Team was modeled from the Olympic Games. They started off with the Singles event before proceeding into the Team competition. Today, world champions showed success while the two-time Olympic silver medalist was blocked in the quarterfinals.

The Olympic Team of China, Zhang Jike, Wang Hao, Ma Long, Xu Xin, Ding Ning, Li Xiaoxia, Guo Yue and Liu Shiwen will all participate in the final warm-up match in Chengdu. Everyone except Guo Yue started with the Singles this morning.

As expected, these brilliant stars surpassed the hurdle victoriously although there has been criticisms on the performance of the world champions Zhang Jike and Ding Ning who both got a slow start. 

Wang Liqin vs Wang Hao - Chinese London 2012 Warm-up Competition
video kindly shared by janus770

This evening, the competition continued with the quarterfinals and the biggest upset so far was recorded. The two-time Olympic silver medalist Wang Hao was blocked by the Shanghai veteran Wang Liqin. In six sets, Wang Liqin scored 5-11, 11-8, 11-9, 5-11, 11-7 and 12-10, sealing his place in the semifinals. Eventually, Wang Hao's journey ended tonight. 

Ma Long vs Yan An - Chinese London 2012 Warm-up Competition
video kindly shared by janus770

Meanwhile, the other Singles delegate and the top seed in the upcoming Olympics, Zhang Jike, will have a longer exposure. However, his next match in the semifinals will be the one big test for him. He is scheduled to face his ultimate nemesis Ma Long, who defeated Yan An in the quarterfinals. 

Ding Ning vs Rao Jingwen - Chinese London 2012 Warm-up Competition
video kindly shared by janus770

In the Women Singles, the reigning world champion and the top seed as well, Ding Ning, surpassed the quarterfinals with flying colors. Although Rao Jingwen managed to put up a good fight, Ding Ning was just too strong and completed a sweep victory of 13-11, 12-10, 11-7, and 11-6. Eventually, Ding Ning sealed her place in the semifinals.  

What can you say of Wang Hao's defeat? In the previous warm-up match of the Chinese Men Team in Xiamen, Wang Hao also lost to Wang Liqin in the fifth match, leading the Chinese Team to lose in 2-3 against the hopefuls Ma Lin, Xu Xin and Wang Liqin. Could there now be doubts that will be raised as to the condition of Wang Hao?

Photo source: sohu.com