by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Rank outsiders, a surprise, not at all; Lee Jungwoo, absent from the international scene for some two years, has one of the best doubles records of all, there a few who can match his tally of success.

Overall on the ITTF World Tour, dating back to 2005, he has appeared in no less than 15 Men’s Doubles finals, winning eight times.

Left handed, pen-hold grip, dynamic all action in true Korean mode, he is the ideal foil for the right handed shake-hands grip player.

Notably on the ITTF World Tour, he won on six occasions when partnering Oh Sangeun; however, when joining forces with another right handed shake-hands grip player of high pedigree he experienced defeat.

“After the 2 years absence from world tour finals I am very happy to be back and be able to win here in Slovenia! ” Lee Jungwoo

Perhaps he would rather not be reminded that when partnering Ma Long, the Olympic and World champion, he lost!

The pair experienced defeat in the Men’s Doubles final at the GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Korean Open in Incheon; they were beaten by Ma Long’s Chinese national team colleague, Zhang Jike who partnered Seo Hyundeok, like Lee Jungwoo from Korea.

Defeat in partnership with Ma Long, success in Otocec with another right handed shake-hands grip player it was success; now that says something for Choi Wonjin!