WORLD No. 3 Niu Jianfeng of China showed class by sweeping the diminutive Fukuhara Ai of Japan 4-0 in the second round of the Asian table tennis Olympic qualifying tournament Sunday.

"Fukuhara is not a big threat to me and will not be a strong rival of Chinese women players in the future," Niu said after her 11-4, 11-9, 11-4, 12-10 victory over the 15-year-old in Beijiing.

Niu claimed the women's title while unbeaten compatriot Wang Hao took the men's after defeating Japan's Ryo Yuzawa 4-1.

Niu listed techniques, height and footwork as Fukuhara's weaknesses although the Japanese sweetheart is regarded as a talent paddler.

Meanwhile, Sydney Olympic champion Kong Linghui was recruited to the men's doubles lineup in the qualifiers. Kong Linghui and Wang were the top choice while Ma Lin and Chen Qi were next.

However, it was a heartbreaking moment for defending Olympic champions Wang Liqin and Yan Sen.
 

Editor: Wings