Ma Long departs! (Zagreb 2007)
Men’s Singles: Round of 16
In what seemed to be a foregone conclusion, Ma Long has found himself eliminated by Korea Republic athlete Joo Saehyuk!
Winning 4-2 (5-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 12-10, 11-6), Joo recovered from what can only be described as a strong show of force by the Chinese, looking to blow the Korean out of the water but Joo was unphased. There was a four-game performance of the highest quality by Joo, baffling Ma and surely making some new fans of the Korea Republic athlete in the process.
Li Xiaoxia defeats triple champion! (Zagreb 2007)
Women’s Singles: Quarter-Finals
Li Xiaoxia has eliminated colleague Wang Nan in a huge upset here in Zagreb, claiming a 4-1 victory (11-5, 11-6, 12-10, 14-16, 11-8)!
Winner in 1999, 2001 and 2003, Wang Nan was very much expected to make the podium once again this year – but for the performance of Li Xiaoxia. There was a level of relentless pressure put from Li onto Wang in their battle, which saw the younger Chinese player win the first three games without a shred of trouble from Wang. While the triple champion won the fourth game, it was to be in vain as Li finished the job in clinical fashion and secured her semi-final spot.
Wang and Guo retain title (Zagreb 2007 )
Mixed Doubles: Final
China’s Wang Liqin and Guo Yue have successfully retained their 2005 title, defeating compatriots Ma Lin and Wang Nan in the 2007 World Championships mixed doubles final.
The 2003 mixed doubles champions – Ma Lin and Wang Nan – were defeated 4-2 (13-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10) after a strong show of force by Wang and Guo, which saw them establish an early lead in the match, giving them firm control over the result. While Ma and Wang tried to recover from a 0-2 deficit, it became quite clear where the gold was headed after the fourth game which was a strong message from Wang and Guo about their completely synchronised movements around the table.
It’s gold for Schlager! (Paris 2003)
Men’s Singles: Final
Werner Schlager has beaten Joo Saehyuk 4-2 (11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 12-10, 8-11, 12-10) to become the first Austrian to lift the men’s singles trophy since Richard Bergmann in 1937!
It was a commanding performance by Schlager which saw him give absolutely no space for Joo to work with and the result was there for everyone to see. Despite ending in a loss, this first silver for a Korea Republic athlete is a historic one, and will be remembered for years to come.
Impressive lead (Paris 2003)
Men’s Singles: Final
Werner Schlager has taken a a strong 3-1 lead over Joo Saehyuk, following an intense start to the final here in Paris.
The bronze medallist at the 1999 World Championships, won the first two games 11-9 and 11-6, before a momentary turn of fortune for Joo which saw him claim the third game 11-6. Establishing control again in the fourth with a 12-10 win – will the Austrian finish things off?
Schlager v Joo – it’s time! (Paris 2003)
Men’s Singles: Final
Get your cheering mode on, it’s time for the men’s singles final! Austria’s Werner Schlager is set to play Korea Republic’s Joo Saehyuk in what is set to be an exciting contest to say the least.
We are about to start any moment now, so make sure you follow what will be the first men’s singles final ever for a Korean on the World Championships stage!
Wang Nan makes it three (Paris 2003)
Women’s Doubles: Final
Wang Nan has made it three women’s doubles titles in a row, after she and partner Zhang Yining saw off the challenge of fellow Chinese pairing Guo Yue and Niu Jianfeng here in Paris.
Previously a winner with Li Ju in 1999 and 2001, Wang was on a mission from the start of this edition of the World Championships and Zhang echoed it in the manner with which the duo moved around the table. Securing a 4-1 (11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 11-2, 14-12) win, it was clear that getting their hands on the trophy was not a question of if they would achieve victory, but rather when!
