In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Chinese table tennis superstar Ma Long has secured his place in the men’s singles final at the WTT China Smash. The 35-year-old veteran triumphed over compatriot Liang Jingkun in a commanding 4-0 victory, bringing him just one win away from clinching his maiden WTT Grand Slam singles title.
Ma Long showcased his exceptional prowess by effortlessly defeating world number 3 Hugo Calderano in the quarterfinals, boasting a 5-1 head-to-head advantage in their six previous encounters. His semifinal match against Liang Jingkun was a testament to his enduring excellence in the sport.
The match began with Ma taking the first two games 11-8 and 11-7, demonstrating his precision and tactical acumen. Despite Liang's spirited comeback in the third game, leading 3-2, Ma remained unfazed, rallying to lead 9-6 and eventually winning 11-6. The final game was a nail-biting affair, with Ma sealing the win 12-10, completing the match in just 41 minutes.
Reflecting on his performance, Ma Long said, \"Yes, it was really a comfortable victory and I was relaxed and also resolute on the court. Just like I said before, each game would be tough after reaching the quarterfinals. I hope I can enjoy the competition and I can feel that my performance is quite different when I feel relaxed.\"
As Ma Long advances to the final, fans around the globe eagerly anticipate his quest for the Grand Slam title, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to the WTT China Smash.
Reference(s):
Ma Long and Lin Shidong set up men's singles final at WTT China Smash
cgtn.com
