Niu on a high for World Cup after giant-killing act in Guangzhou

Rising Chinese star Niu Jianfeng declared herself 'fit and ready' to do battle once again in the US$85,000 Volkswagen Women's World Cup starting today in Hong Kong - just three days after lifting her biggest career title in Guangzhou.

The 22-year-old mainlander finally stepped out of the shadow of her more illustrious compatriots by beating world and Olympic champion Wang Nan and then world number one and World Cup titleholder Zhang Yining in the title-clinching match of the ITTF Pro Tour finals on Sunday.

It was the sort of performance that showed Niu had truly come of age as a world class player. And not only did she win the singles in Guangzhou, she also took home the doubles title, partnering 16-year-old Guo Yue to beat Wang and Zhang in a seven-set thriller.

Now, Niu will be hoping to make it back-to-back titles by starting as favourite in the 16-field singles tournament that features four continental champions at Queen Elizabeth Stadium.

'I know it is a bit of an unusual role for me to be one of the favourites but I am ready to do my best. I really didn't expect to win in Guangzhou. I am still living in a dream because I beat both Wang Nan and Zhang Yining on the way to the title,' said Niu.

'Wang and Zhang are both like sisters to me because we are close and I get to learn a lot from them. But to beat them in a major tournament like the ITTF Pro Tour finals was a major boost. It has instilled confidence in me.'

Niu, who is the Asian champion after winning the singles title at the Asian Championships in Bangkok last year, said winning in Guangzhou may prove the turning point of her career.