Ding Ning wins China Open

World champion Ding Ning beats teammate Sun Yingsha 8-11, 11-9, 11-4, 11-7, 11-6 to win the China Open. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

Newly crowned Dusseldorf world champion Ding Ning put an end to a heroic giant-killing run of teenage colleague Sun Yingsha, beating the 16-year-old 8-11, 11-9, 11-4, 11-7, 11-6 to win the China Open, which is held in the city of Chengdu.

Before facing off with the 27-year-old Grand Slam winner, Sun, who won both women's singles and doubles titles on her senior debut last week at the Japan Open in Tokyo, saw off both Singapore's world team champion Feng Tianwei and four-time World Cup holder Liu Shiwen.

World champion Ding Ning (right) beats teammate Sun Yingsha (left) 8-11, 11-9, 11-4, 11-7, 11-6 to win the China Open. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

It has been Ding's 13th ITTF World Tour title in 23 finals, and the third time for her to win the coveted title at the China Open.

Previously in 2014 and 2016, Ding won both time in Chengdu and beat teammate Liu Shiwen on both occasions.

Earlier on Sunday, Ding and Liu, winners in Dusseldorf at the recent world championships, repeated the success, triumphing over fellow Chinese Chen Meng and Zhu Yuling 9-11, 11-7, 11-4, 12-10 for the women's doubles title.