China's defending champions down in Asiad table tennis

Wang Hao of China hits a return to compatriot Ma Long during the men's singles table tennis final at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Nov 20, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

GUANGZHOU - Defending champions Guo Yue and Wang Hao both were beaten in the all-Chinese table tennis finals of the Asian Games on Saturday.

World's No. 4 Guo, who won the women's singles title in Doha 2004, was defeated by Li Xiaoxia.

Guo prevailed over Li 11-5, 11-4 and 13-11 to establish a 3-0 lead, before Li fought back to tie the score with 11-8, 11-6 and 12-10.

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Li then nipped Guo 11-9 in the deciding game to win her first women's singles gold at Asiad.

"I was a little bit conservative in the first two games," said Li. "Turning a 0-3 deficit to a victory will definitely change myself. Wining this gold should be a new start of my career."

Guo Yue paired with Li Xiaoxia to win the women's doubles gold on Friday. Guo Yue took the silver and two bronze medals went to South Korean Kim Kyung-Ah and Ai Fukuhara of Japan.

Later in men's singles final, first-seeded Ma Long surprisingly beat teammate Wang Hao to win China's seventh and final table tennis gold.

Reigning world champion Wang won the first set 11-9 but withered under Ma Long's attacks and fell behind by 3-1 in sets.

Guo Yue of China plays against compatriot Li Xiaoxia during the women's singles table tennis final at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Nov 20, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

Although Wang took the fifth set 11-4, Ma managed to secure his victory by winning the sixth set 12-10.

"This is my first gold medal in major events," said Ma Long."I had injuries before the Asian Games. I want to thank my coach (Liu Guoliang) who trusted me and put me on the singles list."

Wang admitted that he had not played singles for a long time.

"Though I didn't defend the gold, I'm pleased with my performance during the Asian Games," said Wang. "I am adjusting my form because the Asian Games is just part of the preparation for 2012 London Olympics."

Host China swept all seven table tennis gold medals at Guangzhou Asiad. The other time China swept the board was in 1978 in Bangkok.