Li crowned world champ in women's singles
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E-mail Xinhua, May 19, 2013
She was beaten twice in the final in 2007 and 2001, but finally got to the top of the podium at the World Table Tennis Championships at the third attempt on Sunday.
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Li Xiaoxia returns a ball to Liu Shiwen in women's singles final. |
Li Xiaoxia, 25, beat fellow Chinese Liu Shiwen 4-1 to take the women's singles title, to complete a grand slam of World Cup, World Championships and Olympic Games.
The third seed fought off hard challenge from second-seeded Liu and won 11-8, 4-11, 11-7, 12-10, 6-11, 13-11.
Li lost to teammates Guo Yue in Zagreb 2007 and Ding Ning in Rotterdam 2011 respectively and finished second on both occasions.
But Li, the 2008 World Cup winner, found confidence in last year's London Olympic Games, beating Ding to claim the Olympic gold medal.
She went on to beat the defending champion and top seed in the semifinals on Saturday.
"I failed to qualify for the World Championships 10 years ago when it was last held here," Li said. "But I came here and won the champion this time. I think Paris is my lucky place."
"Losing to Ding Ning in 2011 was a heavey blow to me. I felt just shattered. I could not sleep or eat. I don't know how I managed to get through those difficult time.
"I think I must thank my coach Li Zhun. He always encourages me and helps me. Without his help, I don't think I am still playing.
"After the London Olympic Games, I have become very tough mentally. I have got more confident in myself. I know how to deal with the pressure."
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