"Shatou" team sweep U.S. rivals in mixed doubles

DOHA, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Olympic champions Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, one of the most popular doubles combinations in world sports, swept aside their American rivals at their mixed doubles opener at the world table tennis championships here on Sunday.

Nicknamed "Shatou" - a combination of Sun's name and Wang's pet name, Datou (Big Head) - the world No. 8 ranked team defeated Liang Jishan and Amy Wang 11-8, 11-1, 11-9. The second set was so one-sided that Wang struck a backhand return into the net while leading 10-0.

"We had not paired up for several months before this world championships," said Wang, referring to their drop on the world rankings.

Known for their youth and energy, Wang and Sun have signed massive endorsement deals including Coca-Cola, Louis Vuitton and McDonald's.

"Shatou" will next meet the Brazilian duo of Hugo Calderano and Bruna Takhashi, who advanced over Madagasgar's Fabio Rakotoarimananah and Hanitra Raharimanana in straight sets.

"We don't know much about them as a team," said Wang. "But since Calderano is the new World Cup champion, they are a force to reckon with. We will be very careful." ■