Status underlined, Fan Zhendong wins in Jakarta

by Ian Marshall, Editor

On the concluding day of play, the top seed, after accounting for Korea Republic’s Lee Sangsu, the no.3 seed (11-3, 4-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-5), he overcame colleague, Lin Gaoyuan, the no.2 seed (11-8, 11-5, 15-17, 4-11, 11-8, 11-6) to secure the title.

Notably, it was the 11th time Fan Zhendong had met Lee Sangsu in a world ranking event, the perfect record was maintained. Meanwhile against Lin Gaoyuan he repeated the successes of earlier this year. He had beaten Lin Gaoyuan at the ITTF-Asian Cup in Yokohama and later at the Seamaster 2018 ITTF World Tour China Open in Lin Gaoyuan’s home town of Shenzhen.

“The feeling of winning is of course really great but the process was definitely not easy. I did face a lot of difficulties in both the team and singles events. It was not as easy as it appeared to be. In the final, I played well today and made few unforced errors, especially in the first two games, I was indeed affected after losing the third game; in fact I felt a bit lost in the fourth game. He was able to keep his winning momentum in that game. The chance of playing a multi-sport event is rare for us because it happens only every four years, just like the Olympics, I think it’s important to experience the feeling of playing such an event and being able to withstand the pressure to win. It is an especially important win for me.” Fan Zhendong

Success for Fan Zhendong means it is the 10th time China has lifted high the Men’s Singles trophy at an Asian Games; he is the ninth player from his country to achieve the feat. Only one player has won twice; colleague Liang Geliang succeeded in 1974 in Tehran and completed a successful defence four years later in Bangkok.

Defeat for Lin Gaoyuan but on debut it was a most creditable performance and one that suggests he is very much in contention for inclusion in the Chinese national team at the world’s major events. Can he consider himself next in line to Fan Zhendong, Ma Long and Xu Xin when selection is decided?

“I think I played well in the final, the reason why I lost in the end is probably because I wasn’t as detailed and firm when it came to the crucial moments. Winning the third game gave me hope but I wasn’t able to seize the opportunity after two-two, he handled the situation better than me at the end.” Lin Gaoyuan

Notably earlier at the semi-final stage Lin Gaoyuan had been outstanding when facing Iran’s surprise semi-finalist, Noshad Alamiyan, the no.15 seed. He had recorded an emphatic straight games win (12-10, 11-7, 11-6, 11-2).

“The first game was very difficult, his backhand and serves are quite unique and I wasn’t used to them. After winning the first game, it was easier in the next three games.” Lin Gaoyuan

Runners up spot for Lin Gaoyuan; however, it was mission completed, as it was for China, a full house, a clean sweep; a step ahead of the field.