BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week:
1. Li-Ning becomes COC's official sports apparel partner for 2025-2028
Li-Ning has replaced Anta as the official sports apparel partner of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) and the Chinese sports delegation from 2025 to 2028, according to a statement from the Shanghai United Assets and Equity Exchange.
Founded in 1990 by Chinese gymnastics legend Li Ning, Li Ning (China) Sports Goods Co., Ltd. is one of China's leading sportswear companies and previously served as the COC's official sports apparel partner from 1992 to 2004.
2. Klutch Sports signed Chinese center Yang Hansen
On January 16, Yang Hansen of the Qingdao Eagles announced via his domestic agency that he had signed with Klutch Sports Group, a major agency founded by Rich Paul, known for representing NBA stars such as LeBron James, Anthony Davis and De'Aaron Fox.
Klutch Sports will provide Yang with a variety of resources, including training with NBA coaches, retired veterans and elite trainers.
Recognized as one of China's most promising basketball prospects, Yang is on track to explore opportunities in higher-level leagues. Nevertheless, he remains focused on his immediate goals.
3. China announces roster for table tennis Asian Cup
China's table tennis team announced a 12-player roster on January 17 for the 34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup, scheduled to take place from February 19-23 in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. The squad includes world No. 1 players Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha.
Under tournament rules, China can send six men's and six women's players to compete. Wang leads the men's roster, which also features Lin Shidong, Liang Jingkun, Lin Gaoyuan, Chen Yuanyu, and Huang Youzheng. On the women's side, Sun is joined by Wang Manyu, Wang Yidi, Chen Xingtong, Kuai Man, and Shi Xunyao.
4. Zheng Qinwen stunned by Siegemund to crash out of Australian Open
Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen crashed out of the Australian Open after being knocked out in straight sets by an aggressive Laura Siegemund of Germany in the second round on January 15.
Fifth seed Zheng's trusted serve let her down and she had no answers for the German veteran, who prevailed 7-6 (3), 6-3 in two hours and 16 minutes at John Cain Arena.
There are no more Chinese players left in the singles competitions at the ongoing Australian Open, after Wang Xiyu lost to eighth seed Emma Navarro in a three-set thriller, Zhang Shuai fell to 24th seed Yulia Putintseva, and Wang Yafan committed a straight-set defeat to ninth seed Daria Kasatkina on January 16.
5. World No. 1 Shi Yuqi bags Malaysia Open title
World No. 1 men's singles player Shi Yuqi claimed the Malaysia Open title on January 12, capping an impressive winning streak at the Axiata Arena.
In a display of skill and agility, the 28-year-old knocked out Anders Antonsen 21-8, 21-15 inside 39 minutes, barely giving the Dane space to put up an effective resistance.
All other Chinese lost their final encounters, as Wang Zhiyi was beaten 21-17, 21-7 by An Se-young of South Korea to miss the women's singles title, Jia Yifan and Zhang Shuxian lost to Japan's Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto in the women's doubles final, Chen Boyang and Liu Yi were knocked out by South Korea's Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae in the men's doubles final, and mixed doubles pair Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping lost to Thailand's Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran.