China paddlers dominant as divers seek history

BEIJING (AFP) - China reinforced its table tennis dominance Saturday with Wang Hao and Ma Lin into the men's final, as the hosts' divers attempt to become the first since 1952 to clean sweep all Olympic gold.

On the penultimate day of the Games, China assured itself of more success after Wang defeated Swedish veteran Jorgen Persson in the semi-finals 4-1.

The world number one fought off a courageous effort from Persson, who at 42 has played in all six Olympics since the sport was was included, and was the last man standing against the Chinese Wall.

Wang won 11-9, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 11-9 and now plays teammate Ma Lin who beat compatriot Wang Liqin.

China's women's volleyballers, meanwhile, added a bronze by beating Cuba three sets to one (25-16, 21-25, 25-13, 25-20) in the play-off match.

Huo Liang led the charge in the men's 10m platform in the quest to complete the rare feat of total domination off the diving boards, a sport adored by Chinese people worldwide.