Zhang Chao and Cao Zhen crowned mixed doubles champions (Rotterdam 2011)
Mixed Doubles: Final
Gold medallist two years back in Yokohama, Cao Zhen stands atop the mixed doubles podium once again here in Rotterdam, this time alongside Zhang Chao.
Mu Zi was another returning name from the 2009 final and just as was the case on that occasion she was forced to settle for silver. A fairly one-sided affair, Zhang Chao and Cao Zhen were simply a class above Hao Shuai and Mu Zi, requiring just the five games to seal the title (11-7, 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8). Congratulations to the 2011 World mixed doubles champions!
Li Xiaoxia exacts her revenge (Rotterdam 2011)
Women’s Singles: Semi-Finals
Heartbreak at the final hurdle with defeat to Guo Yue at Zagreb 2007, Li Xiaoxia lost out to the very same opponent two years later at Yokohama 2009 this time one round earlier. Meeting head-to-head for the third World Championships in a row, however, on this occasion it is Li Xiaoxia who stands victorious.
Seeded first and dropping just two games on her way to the penultimate round, Li headed into the contest with plenty of optimism and truth be told she never looked troubled by Guo, storming to a straight games success (11-5, 11-6, 11-7, 11-8) to return to the final.
Changing of the guard? (Rotterdam 2011)
Men’s Singles: Quarter-Finals
Two of the sport’s biggest names over the past 10-15 years, Wang Liqin and Ma Lin could be seeing their time at the very top coming to an end after losing out to two of China’s younger stars here in Rotterdam.
Eight years Wang Liqin’s junior, 23-year-old Zhang Jike fights back from a 1-2 deficit to eliminate the three-time World champion in the quarter-finals (11-9, 7-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-7). As for Ma Lin his exit came courtesy of Ma Long, 22, who needed just the five games to see off the 1999, 2005 and 2007 runner-up (11-5, 11-9, 11-4, 4-11, 11-7).
Deng sees off doubles partner to win gold (1995 Tianjin)
Women’s Singles: Final
From gold-winning doubles partners to singles’ rivals for gold! What a day it has been for Deng Yaping and Chinese teammate Qiao Hong. Both women faced off in a high intensity battle in the women’s singles shortly after having won the doubles final earlier in the day.
Deng Yaping emerged victorious in a 3-2 (14-21, 21-17, 21-17, 14-21, 21-14) win, despite having dropped the first game against the 1989 Champion Qiao Hong. The strong shots across the table by Deng kept Qiao on the backfoot, preventing her from attacking her doubles’ partner. This win meant that it was the second World Championship title for Deng, who previously recorded gold at the 1991 World Championships as well.
Liu crushes Samsonov hopes (1995 Tianjin)
Men’s Singles: Quarter-Final
Chinese star Liu Guoliang was in an effervescent mood as he cruised to a straight games win over the upcoming Belarusian Vladimir Samsonov in the men’s singles quarter-final.
It was truly a battle of the ‘New Generation’ athletes from Asia and Europe respectively, which the penhold specialist Liu managed to win 3-0 (21-18, 21-18, 21-18). However, it was not all about the score as Samsonov pushed his Chinese opponent all the way in each of the three games and one can be certain he will make a mark in future World Championships.
Deng and Qiao overpower top seeds in the final! (1995 Tianjin)
Women’s Doubles: Final
Deng Yaping and Qiao Hong have caused a major upset here at the women’s doubles’ final of the 1995 World Table Tennis Championships, as they defeated top seeds Liu Wei and Qiao Yunping (21-19, 21-17, 17-21, 21-19)!
Losing only the one game, Deng and Qiao were effective in their counter-attacking style of play which did not let their Chinese compatriots take control of the match. The favorites for the gold Liu and Qiao were hoping for a comeback after the third game, but found that Deng and Qiao had no plans to let that happen!
