Sun Yingsha advances at China Open

Sun Yingsha has reached the second round of the qualification round of the China Open in Chengdu, beating a player from Japan in straight sets. [Photo: ITTFWrold]

Chinese players enjoyed a winning start at the qualification round of the ongoing China Open in Chengdu.

16-year-old Sun Yingsha, who comes into the event after winning two titles at the Japan Open on Sunday, knocked out a 12-year-old player from Japan in straight sets.

Her fellow compatriot Zhang Rui also progressed after coming from behind to beat a Japanese player in six sets.

Next up for them will also be players from Japan.

163 players from 25 countries and regions are taking part in the event.

Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, Xu Xin and Zhang Jike are the top four seeds in the men's singles event.

Players representing China in the women's singles event include world champions Ding Ning, Liu Shiwen and Zhu Yuling.