Washington, July 13 -- China's world champion Wang Chuqin edged out France's Felix Lebrun in full sets while world top-ranked Chinese Lin Shidong fell to Japan's Tomokazu Harimoto in the men's singles semifinals of the WTT US Smash in Las Vegas here.
Wang, world No. 2, cashed in on his experience and determination at clutch moments to outlast the sixth-seeded Frenchman 11-9, 5-11, 11-6, 7-11, 12-10, 9-11, 11-9 on Saturday.
"This is the closest match that I have ever played against Felix," said Wang. "We haven't met for a year, and he has raised his game to a new level. He is now able to beat any top players in the world.
I feel lucky to emerge as a winner. As a matter of fact, there is no loser in this game."
Harimoto, widely tipped ...