Chinese superstar Ma Long has advanced to the men’s singles final at the WTT China Smash, setting up a highly anticipated clash with compatriot Lin Shidong.
The 35-year-old veteran beat fellow Chinese player Liang Jingkun in four straight games to reach the final and is one win away from clinching his maiden WTT Grand Slam singles title.
Ma Long eased past world number 3 Hugo Calderano in the quarterfinals to reach the semifinals. The two had met six times before, with Ma holding a 5-1 advantage. In the semifinals, the six-time Olympic champion started strong, taking the opening game 11-8 when Liang hit long, and claimed the second game 11-7 when Liang failed to return.
Liang led 3-2 in the third game, but Ma came back to lead 9-6. The double Grand Slam winner increased the gap before taking it 11-6. Ma sealed the win 12-10 in the fourth game, securing a 4-0 victory in 41 minutes.
“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,” Ma said.
Lin Shidong, on the other side of the draw, secured his place in the final, promising an exciting showdown between two generations of Chinese table tennis talent.
The final is set to be a thrilling encounter, with fans eagerly anticipating the battle between Ma Long’s experience and Lin Shidong’s rising prowess.
Reference(s):
Ma Long and Lin Shidong set up men's singles final at WTT China Smash
cgtn.com
