Beijing Olympic Games

Updated: 2008-02-28 From: Xinhuanet

GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) — Asian powerhousethe Republic of Korea(ROK) entered the last eight on the heals of China, beating Chinese Taipei at the world table tennis championships Wednesday.

South Korea, which already scored a string of dominant wins over Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden, dispatched its top player Ryu Seung Min to confront 14-ranked Chuan Chi-Yuan in the opening game.

The encounter proved to be nail-biting with Chuan overpowering Olympic champion Ryu 3-2 in a long march.

Joo Se Hyuk, who made his name as a top-class defensive chopper in 2003, stretched full against 36-ranked Chiang Peng-Lung before emerging with a 3-1 victory. Joo’s compatriot LEE Jung Woo enlarged ROK’s lead to 2-1 after beating Chiang Hung-Chieh 3-0.

Back on court, Ryu pulled himself together and completed a 3-1 win for his team after finishing off Chiang 3-1.

“I did not warm up fully, which led to my defeat in the opening game,” said Ryu after the match, addin