China Sports Weekly (5.14-5.20)

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) — Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week:

1. Chinese state councilor stresses meticulous preparations for Hangzhou Asian Games

Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin has called for meticulous preparations for this year’s Asian Games and Asian Para Games in Hangzhou after an inspection tour of Zhejiang Province and Shanghai from May 14 to 17.

Shen noted that the Asian Games and Asian Para Games are major events for China this year, stressing the importance of hosting the Games in a “simple, safe and splendid” manner.

Shen also stressed China’s zero-tolerance of doping in sport, calling the athletes to “play clean”.

2. Liaoning claims third CBA title in team history

Defending champions the Liaoning Flying Leopards crushed the Zhejiang Golden Bulls 106-70 in Game 4 of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Finals on May 15, winning the series with a 4-0 clean sweep to lift the team’s third CBA trophy.

Liaoning’s point guard Zhao Jiwei was awarded the Finals Most Valuable Player (FMVP).

“The secret is to fight for every ball and never concede. When people think we’re set to lose, Liaoning always find a surge of energy. That’s the Liaoning spirit, and I hope we never lose it,” Liaoning head coach Yang Ming told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

4. China beat Indonesia to reach Sudirman Cup semifinals

China swept Indonesida 3-0 on May 19 to secure a semifinal berth at the Sudirman Cup in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province.

China, who have won 12 of the past 17 editions, advanced to the last eight as top finisher in Group A after beating Egypt, Singapore and Denmark without losing a single match.

The record winners will face off against Japan on May 20 in the semifinals.

The Sudirman Cup also stage a retirement ceremony for Olympic and two-time world champion Chen Long, who decided to quit international badminton and spend more time with his family.

5. Organizers pledge first-class media services during Chengdu Universiade

Organizers of the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games have pledged to provide first-class services to the media from around the globe during the event at its World Press Briefing held on May 15.

More than 100 media representatives including an International Sports Press Association (AIPS) delegation headed by its president Giovanni Merlo attended the briefing.

“The Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games is different from previous, due to the pandemic. The preparation work for it has faced unprecedented challenges, which have been postponed and postponed,” Merlo said. “But I think that you did it the best way.”

A promo video of Chengdu 2021 “Listen to the Hustle and Bustle of Chengdu” was released during the two-day briefing.

6. Chinese B-Girl 671 cruises to title at BfG World Series Montpellier