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Ding Ning fights off injury to secure women's singles title at World Table Tennis Championships

China fills all four spots in semi-finals for men's singles at Suzhou tournament

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Ding Ning of China poses with her trophy after winning the women's singles final against teammate Liu Shiwen at the World Table Tennis Championships in Suzhou. Photo: AFP

Ding Ning of China shrugged off an ankle injury to clinch her second individual World Table Tennis Championship title after narrowly defeating compatriot Liu Shiwen 4-3 in a thrilling women’s singles final on Saturday.

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Ding twisted her right ankle early in the seventh game when she was 2-0 down. But after treatment, the 24-year-old battled on, taking the rubber 11-8 and the title in Suzhou.

My injury looks fine at the moment but I need more treatment as I still want to play in the doubles final
Ding Ning

After the match, Ding said she had heard a “bang” sound when she fell and there was no feeling in her ankle and lack of power.

She was taken to a hospital for a check up. “My injury looks fine at the moment but I need more treatment as I still want to play in the doubles final,” she said.

Ding was due to partner Li Xiaoxia in the doubles semi-finals against Li Jie of the Netherlands and Li Qian of Poland.

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Liu said she had the chance to win the second game against Ding “but lacked the determination to kill off her opponent”.

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