Germany's Soja and China's Fang enter mixed doubles quarterfinals

DUSSELFDORF, Germany, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Germany's Petrissa Soja and China's Fang Bo reached the mixed doubles quarterfinals at the World Table Tennis Championships here on Thursday.

The mixed-nationality duo defeated Chuang Chi-Yuan and Chen Chien-An 4-0 (11-4,11-9,11-6,11-7) in front of a crowd of Chinese and German fans.

They will secure a medal should they defeat Mattias Karlsson and Matilda Ekholm from Sweden.

Fang Bo said he was enjoying the extra support from the home supporters.

"I think the German table tennis fans have been a fantastic audience and they are great in so many ways," he said.

The pair have not dropped a single game from the first two matches but Solja knows that they will have to be on their guard.

"Our opponents will also be strong as they are in the quarterfinal. I'm optimistic but also we are preparing for a harder match than 4-0. But I want the medal so much," said Solja.

"I wish I could learn his footwork and topspin. He is always so confident. The Chinese players are always so confident and believe in themselves. Fang Bo is making sure that I am always playing positively even when missing a shot."