China wins fourth straight women's team gold in Olympic table tennis

Coach Li Sun (L) and player Chen Meng of China cheer for teammate during the table tennis women's team gold medal match between China and Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

TOKYO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- China overcame hosts Japan in straight matches to claim its fourth consecutive title in the women's table tennis team competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Thursday.

Since the team event was introduced at the Beijing 2008 Games, China has been the only title-winning side in every edition of the Games.

Chen Meng and Wang Manyu came back from one set down to get past Kasumi Ishikawa and Miu Hirano 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-7.

After their singles semifinals, Sun Yingsha once again upset local hopeful Mima Ito 11-8, 11-5, 3-11, 11-3.

Wang secured team China's title with an 11-5, 11-9, 11-3 win against Hirano.

Earlier on Thursday, China's Hong Kong claimed a bronze medal after upsetting Germany 3-1.