It’s a special first for DPR Korea’s Kim & Kim (Paris 2013)
Mixed Doubles: Final
Kim Hyok-Bong and Kim Jong have secured the first ever mixed doubles World Championship gold medal for DPR Korea, as they saw off their Korea Republic opponents Lee Sangsu and Park Young Sook in a special 4-2 (11-6, 11-8, 11-3, 6-11, 8-11, 11-7) win.
Kim and Kim looked to be in stunning form from the start, as they won the first three games in style. There was a small threat of a comeback by Lee and Park, when they won two games back-to-back. But it was to be a day for the Kim’s, as they wrapped up the win and their place atop the podium in clinical fashion.
Revenge for Li as Ding misses out on final! (Paris 2013)
Women’s Singles: Semi-final
China’s Li Xiaoxia has extracted a sweet revenge on her compatriot Ding Ning in the women’s singles semi-finals here at the World Championships in Paris, as she won 4-2 ().
Having lost to Ding at the final of the 2011 World Championships, there was an air of tension even before this match started between the two Chinese behemoths. Ding seemed to have the upper hand in the match early on as she quickly took a 2-1 lead over Li, who then channelled her best into the match. Winning the next three games consecutively, Li banished the ghosts of 2011 past and moved on to what will surely be a cracking final against Liu Shiwen.
Matsudaira sends Samsonov packing! (Paris 2013)
Men’s Singles: Round of 16
What a turn around we have just witnessed! The legendary Belarusian Vladimir Samsonov has been defeated by Japan’s Kenta Matsudaira in a 4-3 (3-11, 15-13, 12-14, 11-8, 11-9, 3-11, 11-8) win for the 40th seed!
Samsonov, a consistent performer at the World Championships and the 10th seed, did not see this performance coming – and neither did the fans. It was a match that swung deep after the fourth game where everything was level at 2-2, and Samsonov did not appear to be shaken by Matsudiara’s vigor. By winning the next two games on the bounce, the Japanese seemed to gain the momentum that was needed, and he used it to see out this seven-game epic!
Baum causes major upset as Dima exits! (Paris 2013)
Men’s Singles: Round of 16
The 2012 London bronze medallist, Dimitrij Ovtcharov has seen himself eliminated by fellow German Patrick Baum, in a stunning match here at the Paris World Championships.
Winning 4-1 (11-9, 9-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-2), the 20th seed saw himself defeat Ovtcharov despite losing the second game when it looked like the 7th seed might make a comeback. Baum’s strength in depth showed as he kept Ovtcharov at arm’s length both from the table and the scoreline, earning himself a deserved quarter-final spot.
Hu Melek’s unbelievable journey comes to an end (Paris 2013)
Women’s Singles: Quarter-Finals
One of the standout stars of the show, Hu Melek has enjoyed the time of her life here in Paris but her unexpectedly lengthy run has finally drawn to a close at the quarter-finals stage of the women’s singles race.
The no.57 seed from Turkey met her match in China’s Liu Shiwen (7-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9, 11-5), who is now guaranteed to take her place on the medals podium for the third consecutive World Championships – but which step awaits her on this occasion?
Hao Shuai and Ma Lin still on course (Paris 2013)
Men’s Doubles: Semi-Finals
Seeded first and big favourites for the title, China’s Hao Shuai and Ma Lin remain on course in their quest for men’s doubles gold.
In the last four Hao and Ma put on an exciting show for the Parisian crowd with their incredible synergy on display for all to see. Try as they might Japanese opponents Seiya Kishikawa and Jun Mizutani gave it their best, but simply couldn’t keep up as Hao and Ma move one step closer to dreamland (11-7, 11-9, 12-10, 14-12).
Korean pair outclass top seeds (Paris 2013)
Mixed Doubles: Semi-Finals
Wang Liqin, a two-time mixed doubles World champion, won’t be adding a third to his collection here in Paris after he and partner Rao Jingwen fell at the penultimate hurdle.
The pair responsible for knocking the Chinese duo out of the race is Korea Republic’s Lee Sangsu and Park Youngsook, who were simply brilliant across the five-game encounter (11-9, 11-8, 11-4, 8-11, 11-8). In addition, the result also means both Korea Republic and DPR Korea will be represented in the final with Kim Hyok-Bong and Kim Jong prevailing in the other semi-final.
Three in a row for Team Sweden (Gothenburg 1993)
Men’s Team: Final
Champions in 1989 and 1991, hosts Sweden lift the men’s team trophy for a third consecutive World Championships after a superb 3-1 victory over China in the 1993 final.
Peter Karlsson opened the match in style with a unexpected comeback win over Wang Hao (13-21, 21-19, 21-16) only for China to level soon after with Ma Wenge squeezing past Jan-Ove Waldner (14-21, 21-14, 22-20). Sweden retook the lead through Jörgen Persson, who condemned Wang Tao to defeat (26-24, 16-21, 21-16) – Jan-Ove Waldner brought the match to a close with victory over Wang Hao (21-16, 17-21, 21-13) to send the home fans into jubilation.
