Zhendong defends world table tennis crown in Durban
Fan Zhendong was crowned the men’s singles world champion for the second time after he successfully defended his title with a commanding 4-1 victory over Wang Chuqin (8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 12-10, 11-13, 11-3) in the closing match of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Durban on Sunday.
Taking on Wang for the 10th time on the international stage, Fan entered the final showdown as the hot favourite to defend the title, holding a dominant 7-2 lead.
However, Wang was on a mission, looking to secure the ultimate destiny as he bid to become the first-ever male player to win a World Championships Finals triple crown having won the mixed doubles and men’s doubles titles earlier in the week.
Producing fireworks right from point one, Fan and Wang treated spectators at ICC Durban to a blockbuster title decider, hammering away at the ball with explosive power in an attacking spectacle.
Appearing in the final for the first time, 23-year-old star Wang struck first, landing a series of heavy blows with incredible precision to take the opening game, and looked on course to extend his advantage with a 6-8 lead in game two.
However, his joy was shortlived as Fan hit back to recover the game, before turning the tide in his favour with a classy display in the third to take the lead for the first time in the match.
Another game dropped in Fan’s favour soon after as the World No 1 inched closer to the finish line, and a 10-5 lead in game five presented him a huge opportunity to close out the match, holding five championship points.
But in a remarkable twist of fate, Wang would save five points in a row to steal the most unlikely of games 11-13.
Seeing victory slip through his fingers in dramatic style, the pressure inside the bubbling cauldron reached a new high as Fan came to terms with the game five drama.
However, the 26-year-old didn’t lose heart and would return to the table more determined than ever, unleashing a ferocious performance in game six to retain the title.
Earlier, China’s Sun Yingsha won the women’s singles title.
The world No 1 claimed the crown with a 4-2 (5-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 11-6) win over compatriot Chen Meng.
It was Sun’s maiden gold medal after having lost in the final two years ago in Houston.
Going into the match, Chen narrowly led their head-tohead 5-4.