Ma wins most thunderous final ever! (Düsseldorf 2017)

The defending champion and top seed, Ma Long repeated his success from two years earlier in Suzhou when he recovered in stunning fashion against the no.2 seed, Fan Zhendong in one of the most dramatic finals ever known in the long distinguished history of the event (7-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-7, 5-11, 7-11, 12-10).

Fans here in Düsseldorf got their money’s worth as they saw Ma recover from 0-1 to lead 3-1 before Fan drew level at 3-3. A deciding seventh game beckoned, as the the crowd  remained captivated. There was a change of ends, when Ma led 5-3, with neither player giving an inch. Fan soon levelled at 6-6 before winning three of the next four points to lead 9-7.  Ma came back to level at 9-9 with his services that followed and then he chanced a long service, winning the point followed by a breath-taking rally, where Fan level agained, but it was to be for naught. The next point was Ma’s, giving him another championship point, which he duly converted, falling to floor, joyful.

“I am so happy to win, at the same time I am so tired. I hope this match will be remembered by everyone in the history of table tennis; this is the definitely the craziest match I have ever played and will ever play, I think I have never played like this before. I feel very happy to win, feel I was a bit lucky this time, I feel sorry for Fan Zhendong, but the future belongs to him. Mentally I was not certain on how to prepare for the match, so I consulted Liu Guoliang. I thank him for his guidance and tolerance. I would also like to especially thank Zhang Jike because of his achievements, I really look up to him and he is my role model, I have learned a lot from his game.” Ma Long

Ding and Liu claim gold! (Düsseldorf 2017)

Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen, the no.4 seeds, beat Chinese national team colleagues, Chen Meng and Zhu Yuling, the no.3 seeds, in a tension packed contest (9-11, 11-8, 11-13, 11-8, 11-6, 6-11, 11-9).

“I am very excited and happy because my first four attempts did not succeed. I am so happy.” Ding Ning

After a tense opening game, Ding and Liu established a 7-3 lead but surprisingly they won just two more points, which meant the early advantage was with Chen and Zhu, who soon took a 2-1 lead. However, there was once again parity within the four games as the decider loomed. In the final game, there was one point in arrears, as Ding and Liu secured two match points – the first was saved not the second, which meant that at last for Ding Ning, the Women’s Doubles title was hers in the fifth attempt.

Fan reaches final, sees off Sangsu (Düsseldorf 2017)

It was the end of the road for no.17 seed Lee Sangsu who has enjoyed incredible campaign here in Germany. His conqueror was China’s Fan Zhendong, who recorded a 4-0 (11-5, 11-9, 11-6, 11-1) win.

The Korea Republic athlete gave his total commitment to the match, after losing the first game, he established a slender lead at 7-6 in the second. Alas he was not able to take advantage of the situation. At 9-all, with neither player able to establish more than a one point advantage, matters were level, and then Fan won the next two points giving him breathing space. Relaxed, moving well, playing error free Fan dominated the third and fourth games to reach the final.

Ma imposes himself as Xu exits (Düsseldorf 2017)

Control and then the forehand in motion, Ma Long used that technique to see off compatriot Xu Xin in a brilliant 4-0 (11-6, 11-9, 11-9, 11-3) win in the semi-final.

Xu Xin, after having spent an entire tournament recovering from being down a game, mounted a major challenge against Ma. In the fourth game, Ma won the first three points before Xu called “Time Out”. That was not of much use as Ma led 5-0, before Xu reduced the arrears to 6-2. This was where Ma’s break caused the momentum of Xu to stop as a flashing forehand from Ma  on the return showcased his determination to retain the precious title.

Feng and Yu unable to make the final (Düsseldorf 2017)

Impressive, thoroughly efficient from start to finish, Zhu and Chen kept their noses in front at all times, not giving their opponents any room to breathe. After taking a 2-0 lead, the Chinese pair saw Feng and Yu respond to capture the third but in the fourth game, Chen and Zhu once again asserted their authority – one which they did not relinquish.