10/02/26 02:13:00
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10/02 02:08 CDT Wang Xiyu defeats fellow Chinese player Zhang Shuai for tennis
gold at the Asian Games
Wang Xiyu defeats fellow Chinese player Zhang Shuai for tennis gold at the
Asian Games
By STEPHEN WADE
AP Sports Writer
NAGOYA, Japan (AP) --- Wang Xiyu defeated Zhang Shuai 6-2, 6-1 to win gold in
women's singles tennis on Friday at the Asian Games. The victory also gave her
an automatic berth in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Not bad for one day's work.
The final between the two Chinese women was a match between friends. The
37-year-old Zhang --- winner of two Grand Slam doubles titles in her career ---
has been a mentor to many younger Chinese players including 25-year-old Wang.
Wang reached the final on Thursday by defeating pre-tournament favorite Alex
Eala of the Philippines 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, Eala, ranked No. 18 on the WTA Tour,
skipped the ongoing China Open in Beijing to play in Japan and represent her
country.
Eala could face a $10,000 fine for withdrawing from the mandatory 1000-level
WTA event.
"Zhang Shuai has always been a great role model." Wang said after she defeated
Eala. "She is always so generous with sharing her experiences, and is so
encouraging towards younger players like myself."
She added: "She's a glue for the team and plays a great role in showing us how
to support each other."
This will be Wang's second trip to the Olympics. She lost two years ago in the
Paris Olympics in the third round to Iga Swiatek of Poland.
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