Chen reaches final after coruscating display

The world #1 displayed her class against Liu Fei as she reached the women’s singles final recording a stupendous 4-0 win (11-5, 11-7, 11-9, 11-7).

In just over 40 minutes, Chen took no prisoners as Liu had to deal with her Chinese compatriot’s speed shots every game. Despite her best efforts, Liu could not budge the shakehand play of Chen who could almost smell the final as she completed a straight-games win. Now she awaits her opponent in the final –  Mima Ito or Sun Yingsha – later today.

“I am satisfied with my performance here in Sweden. It is the first time I have played in a semi-final; this tournament was the first time I have played on the centre court. I think I lack a little in experience for big matches. Chen Meng is more experienced than me; I joined the Chinese national team in 2011.” Lui Fei

Lin stops Fan’s comeback in time

Lin Gaoyuan needed a heavy effort on his part to stop the comeback journey of the defending champion Fan Zhendong in Stockholm, as he reached the final after a 4-2 (6-11, 11-9, 12-10, 11-7, 8-11, 11-5) win.

In a match lasting 52 minutes, Lin was in the underdog position going up against Fan who has been hugely successful here at the Swedish Open – 2014, 2015 and 2018 respectively. However, Lin took his chances very well despite dropping the first game. The younger Chinese was especially effective on his opponents serve, meaning Wang Chuqin will have his hands full later today in the men’s singles final.

“I have to prepare for each tournament, each tournament is a new start, it was a tough match today but beating Fan Zhendong two weeks ago at the Asian Championships has boosted my confidence. I was to use the tactics on which I had decided. The third game was close; that was the most important game.” Lin Gaoyuan

Wang makes final after clinical display

Wang Chuqin kept true to his nickname of the “Silent Assassin” as he calmly handled the challenge posed by Liang Jingkun in the semifinal of the ITTF World Tour Swedish Open.

Winning the match 4-0 (11-5, 11-5, 19-17, 11-9), Wang never let Liang get into his groove, something that was seen when the elder Chinese athlete won in Portugal earlier this year. Instead, we saw a vintage Wang Chuqin performance that takes him to another World Tour final, where he will want to repeat the feat he achieved in Geelong, Australia.

“I was well aware of the importance of the third game, 3-0 is much different to 2-1; I took a “Time Out” towards the end of that game because I did not feel mentally stable. I needed to calm down and compose myself. Liang played really well in the third and fourth games. At 9-all in the fourth I was really determined.” Wang Chuqin

Let the final day begin!