by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor (Interviews by Hung Yen Lin)

It meant that in all four available events, she gained a podium finish, the only player in the whole tournament to achieve the feat.

Earlier in the proceedings she had joined forces with colleagues An Jeongeun and Lee Eunhye to win the Women’s Team event, prior to securing Mixed Doubles gold in harness with Jang Woojin and Women’s Doubles bronze when partnering Lee Eunhye.

On the day that brought the competition to an end, Jeon Jihee was assured of a medal, there are two bronze medals in every event, the only question was the colour; the answer was gold.

“There have been a lot of matches so I didn’t have much time to prepare, I told myself just play at my best in every match. I attacked more strongly in the last two games; in the fifth game I was leading but Cheng I-Ching came back point by point, so I told myself I must be resolute on every point. I took a “Time Out”, my coach told me to play my own game. I didn’t think about the result during the match because if I kept thinking about winning, sometimes I hesitate. Cheng I-Ching is a very strong player, maybe this time I was lucky!” Jeon Jihee

A fine performance and it was a fitting conclusion, the top step of the podium; it was a delighted Jeon Jihee who departed the arena

“Amazing, I really appreciate everything. The members of staff were so nice to us and the fans are so enthusiastic, I’m grateful for that.” Jeon Jihee

In the counterpart semi-final, Cheng I-Ching had beaten DPR Korea’s Kim Song I (11-3, 11-8, 5-11, 11-5, 11-9).

2017 Summer Universiade: Table Tennis Events – Tuesday 22nd to Tuesday 29th August