By Henry Chen 

11-8, 12-10, 11-5, 11-13, 10-12, 11-9. This was the score posted by Fan Zhendong yesterday in the final match of the 2016 Chinese National Championships Men’s Singles held in Anshan, China. In that final battle, Fan Zhendong defeated his teammate Zhou Yu for the championship title.

Earlier in the tournament, Fan Zhendong paired up with Zhou Yu for the Men’s Doubles. Together,  they stunned their opponents from Hubei, Xue Fei and Zhao Daming in six games.

Fan Zhendong ended the 2016 Chinese National Championships victorious with two titles. But this young player won’t be relaxing anytime soon. He is set to fight for his second participation in the Men’s World Cup in Saarbrücken, Germany this weekend.

Following the retirement of Ma Long and Jun Mizutani, the 19-year old player Fan was given the chance to represent the Chinese Team in the Liebherr 2016 Men’s World Cup.

Fan Zhendong, ranking second in the world, is the top seed in the upcoming competition. He is a clear favourite to reach the finals at least, and eventually win his first ever world title in his career.

Last year, Fan Zhendong had his first participation in the World Cup arena. Despite the lack of experience, the young player secured his seat in the finals against Ma Long. In four games, Fan Zhendong had to settle with silver.

During that match, the 2008 Olympic Singles champion Ma Lin witnessed what happened. According to him, “Ma Long gave Fan Zhendong a lesson.”

Do you think Fan Zhendong has already learned his lesson? Probably yes.

In the 2016 ITTF World Tour SheSays China Open, Fan Zhendong stunned the Olympic champ Ma Long in the Men’s Singles finals. It was the first ever victory of Fan Zhendong against Ma Long in the international circuit.

Fan Zhendong indeed has the momentum coming into the Men’s World Cup this weekend. Since the China Open, Fan Zhendong has remained unbeaten in the Singles event. If he will be successful in his upcoming endeavour, Fan Zhendong can have his first World Singles Title.