Wu Fang-hsien defeated compatriot Hsieh Su-wei at the Qatar Open, advancing with partner Jiang Xinyu. Aryna Sabalenka faced a surprising loss to Ekaterina Alexandrova. Taiwan’s Chen Ying-chu made history in speedskating at the Asian Winter Games. LeBron James set a record scoring 42 points at age 40, while Taiwan’s table tennis pair reached the final but lost.
In a notable outcome at the Qatar Open, Taiwan’s Wu Fang-hsien triumphed over fellow countrywoman and second seed Hsieh Su-wei, advancing in the women’s doubles alongside partner Jiang Xinyu. The match concluded with a score of 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 10-5, lasting 1 hour and 29 minutes at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
Wu and Jiang had progressed to the quarter-finals after defeating Spain’s Cristina Bucsa and Japan’s Miyu Kato with a score of 7-6 (7/7), 3-6, 10-6. Hsieh and Ostapenko, the previous month’s Australian Open runners-up, advanced through a bye. Next, Wu and Jiang are set to face the winners of the match between Taiwan’s Chan Hao-ching and Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova against Brazil’s Luisa Stefani and the US’ Peyton Stearns.
In women’s singles, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faced an unexpected defeat against Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova, with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), after a match that exceeded two and a half hours. Alexandrova’s impressive comeback, overcoming a set deficit, included a curious interruption by a cat during the match.
Coco Gauff was also eliminated, succumbing to Marta Kostyuk in straight sets. Conversely, former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina advanced to the last 16 after defeating Peyton Stearns 6-2, 6-4.
In a separate report, former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, received a prison sentence of nearly five years for fraud, having stolen close to US$17 million from Ohtani’s account. Ordered to pay restitution amounting to US$18 million, he will return nearly all the funds to Ohtani.
Taiwan’s Chen Ying-chu made historic strides by winning bronze in the women’s 100m speedskating at the Asian Winter Games, marking the first medal for Taiwan in these games. Her time of 10.510 seconds secured a commendable third place, ending a long wait for Taiwan since its debut in 1990.
LeBron James etched his name in history by becoming the oldest player to score 40 points in an NBA game, exceeding the previous record held by Michael Jordan. Scoring 42 points against the Golden State Warriors solidified this achievement, with James humorously acknowledging his age and the need for rest.
In table tennis, Taiwan’s Lin Yun-ju and Kao Cheng-jui lost the men’s doubles final at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Singapore Smash 3-0 to China’s Lin Shidong and Wang Chuqin. Despite a valiant effort in the third game, where they led 10-8, they ultimately fell short in securing a victory.
The Qatar Open highlighted significant victories for Wu Fang-hsien and Jiang Xinyu in women’s doubles, while Aryna Sabalenka’s unexpected loss drew attention in singles. The Asian Winter Games brought historic success for Taiwan’s speedskating, and major events in basketball and table tennis showcased remarkable individual performances and achievements.
Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com
