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Defensive player Liu Song, who plays for Argentina, reached the second round of the Olympic table tennis men's singles event after winning an all-Chinese-born clash4-1 against Arai Shu of Japan here on Saturday.

Liu, 32, who moved to Argentina with his family at the age of 23, went down 2-0 at the beginning of the first set, but reboundedquickly to 3-3.

The former Chinese national, who plays in left-handed handshakegrip, then concentrated on defensive play plus counterattacks as he wrapped up the first set 11-7.

Arai pulled off a 11-7 upset at the second set with fast attacks, and gave a difficult time to Liu at the third, in which the 29-year-old once led 9-4 but was finally beaten by Liu at 12-10.

He didn't show signs of that brilliant from the first two sets,losing the ensuing two sets 11-5, 11-4.

"It was a very fast game for me and I could not play any better," said Arai, son of Zhou Shusen, head coach of Beijing table tennis team. "I tried to come back on the third set, but I let thechance slip when leading 9-4.

"I was too nervous because I couldn't help reminding myself that this was an Olympic match.

"Since we know each other from childhood, we know each other's game," added Arai who had teamed with Liu for two years before moving to Japan.

Liu, however, had a similar feeling.

"The first three sets were very close and I was very nervous," said Liu. "Later I got used to the table and the venue, and I managed to win."

He next plays Slobodan Grujic of Serbia and Montenegro on Sunday.

"Since I know who my opponent is, it will be a 50-50 game," said Liu.
 
Editor: Catherine