“I hope I can turn these lessons to my fortune.”
Men’s Singles: Final
Fan Zhendong has spoken following his men’s singles success in Zhengzhou:
“It is never easy to play against Ma Long. He showed and played at a very high level yesterday. I just focused on myself and played very patiently. I gave my best. As you know, I have experienced a lot of ups and downs this year. I learnt a lot lesson from this period and I hope I can turn these lessons to my fortune.” Fan Zhendong
Fan Zhendong crowned men’s singles champion!!!
Men’s Singles: Final
Winner in 2017, Fan Zhendong has returned to the top step of the men’s singles podium on the World Tour Grand Finals stage after completing a 4-1 victory over five-time champion Ma Long (11-6, 12-10, 11-6, 6-11, 11-8).
In the final game Ma put up a brave fight, recovering from 5-9 down to 7-9 but to no avail as Fan showed his ruthless side to extend his unbeaten run to 17!
Ma Long on the scoreboard
Men’s Singles: Final
Game three very much belongs to Fan who storms to victory by a five point margin but finally at the fourth attempt Ma gets a game on the scoreboard, producing a much better showing in game four (11-6) to restore a glimmer of hope. Fan requires just one more game, Ma needs three!
Chance to level things up but Ma Long misses out
Men’s Singles: Final
What an opportunity Ma has just had to level the scores here in Zhengzhou, holding two game points at 8-10 in game two. But, Fan takes four points in a row to steal the game (12-10) and extend his lead to 2-0!
First plaudits to second seed
Men’s Singles: Final
Fan Zhendong has an early lead in Zhengzhou. Down 6-9 Ma Long switches hands and attempts a sensational left-handed winner but just falls short and can’t recover the game (11-6).
Grand Finale awaits, it’s time for Ma Long v Fan Zhendong!
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. It’s time for the men’s singles final and Ma Long v Fan Zhendong. This one is set to be an absolute thriller!
Fan has picked two victories over Ma so far in 2019 including in their most recent meeting at the 2019 ITTF World Tour event in Sapporo, Japan. Will it be the same outcome this time or will it be revenge?
Women’s Doubles champions react
Here’s what the newly crowned women’s doubles champions said post match:
“I did not expect that we could win here. We performed well today. We really focused on the match and played with detail on every ball.” Miyuu Kihara
“I won World Junior Championships. This time here, I won the World Tour Grand Finals. I am so happy. I hope I can play better in the future so everyone can know and remember my name.” Miyu Nagasaki
World Junior champions are Grand Finals champions!!!
Women’s Doubles: Final
It’s women’s doubles gold for Kihara and Nagasaki who needed just three games to get the job done. Trailing 4-2 Jeon and Yang call a ‘time out’ which appears to work as the Korean pair win three points on the bounce. However, Kihara and Nagasaki don’t lose heart as they drop just one further point to seal the title (12-10, 11-6, 11-6).
What a year it has been for the teenagers, winning gold at the World Junior Championships are now backing it up with World Tour Grand Finals gold!
Koreans in trouble
Women’s Doubles: Final
Another game to Japan but this it’s more convincing (11-6) as Kihara and Nagasaki move games clear. Jeon and Yang are in serious trouble here, they have no more room for error with their Japanese counterparts only one game away from the title.
Recovery attempt proves successful
Women’s Doubles: Final
A fantastic start to the women’s doubles final here in Zhengzhou as Japan’s Miyuu Kihara and Miyu Nagasaki fight back from 6-9 down to claim the opening game 12-10. The teenager duo are all smiles so far and are clearly enjoying the challenge.
Two finals remain
Just two fixtures remain to be settled – first up is the women’s doubles final as Japan’s Miyuu Kihara and Miyu Nagasaki take on Korea Republic’s Jeon Jihee and Yang Haeun before Ma Long and Fan Zhendong meet face-to-face in the men’s singles final.
…but Chen claims victory in five!
Women’s Singles: Final
Chen Meng has won the women’s singles final in five games, securing her third consecutive World Tour Grand Finals title, beating her Chinese compatriot Wang Manyu 4-1 (11-9, 11-6, 11-6, 9-11, 11-6).
Taking her a total of 53 minutes, Chen has won 31 points on her opponents service throughout this match – meaning it was an all around performance from the world no. 1. Her forehand attacks were simply too good for Wang, and thus the match went in favor of Chen’s immaculate display today.
Wang wins one back
Women’s Singles: Final
Wang Manyu seems to have heard her fans’ rallying behind her – winning the fourth game 11-9, she’s prevented Chen Meng from sealing the match in straight games. Is a potential comeback on the cards?
One game away for Chen!
Women’s Singles: Final
Winning the third game 11-6, Chen Meng is now one game away from an unprecedented triple consecutive crown at the World Tour Grand Finals.
With now adopting a strong stance at the edge of the table, Chen has this match in her control and Wang Manyu will need to pull off something special to make this battle interesting!
…and gets stronger!
Women’s Singles: Final
The two time defending champion at the World Tour Grand Finals is now leading Wang Manyu by two games (11-9, 11-6).
Chen Meng had a 7-0 lead in the second game and is using an array of forehand attacks to make sure Wang has no room to work with. Will we see a straight games win for Chen?
Chen starts strong
Women’s Singles: Final
China’s Chen Meng has taken the lead against compatriot Wang Manyu (11-9) as we begin the women’s singles’ final here at the Zhengzhou Olympic Sports Center.
The world no.1 has no plans messing around as her best shot making from her forehand is already in play. Can the fourth seeded Wang make a comeback?
Coming up next!
Women’s Singles: Final
Xu & Fan claim gold!
Men’s Doubles: Final
Taking an 8-1 lead in the fourth game, there was no way back for Xu Xin and Fan Zhendong’s opponents Liao Cheng-Ting and Lin Yun-Ju, as the China duo won the match 3-1 (11-7, 11-6, 11-13, 11-3).
“Our opponents were very strong. They beat top pairs in the previous rounds. So we were fully prepared for this tough match. I am happy that we won.” Fan Zhendong
Last well under 5 minutes, the final game was a classy display by Xu and Fan as they coasted to win the gold medal here in Zhengzhou. For Chinese Taipei’s Liao and Lin, it was a valiant effort which showcased their quality to the world and the silver may not feel as good as a gold – but it is one they have earned through their performances in this tournament.
Pushed, but not beaten
Men’s Doubles: Final
Liao Cheng-Ting and Lin Yun-Ju have gained a game back in the final (13-11), battling hard against their senior opponents to make this final suddenly very interesting.
Chinese Taipei’s young pairing needed to attack the backhands of Xu Xin and Fan Zhendong – something that is not exceedingly easy because of their fast movement across the table. Are we headed towards a decider now?
Lead doubles, Liao/Lin in trouble
Men’s Doubles: Final
The second seeded pair of Xu Xin with Fan Zhendong have just doubled their lead with a 11-6 win in 7 more minutes – with the penhold service of Xu making life very difficult for Liao Cheng-Ting and Lin Yun-Ju.
Is there a way back left for them or will this lead prove to be decisive?
Good start for Xu/Fan
Men’s Doubles: Final
Welcome to the final of the men’s doubles at the World Tour Grand Finals, where Xu Xin and Fan Zhendong have made a strong start against Liao Cheng-Ting and Lin Yun Ju.
Winning the first game 11-7 in under ten minutes, China’s Xu and Fan are clearly not in a mood to hang around. Can the Chinese Taipei pair hit back immediately?
