China's Zhang Jike, Ma Lin and Ma Long overcome Austria's Chen Weixing, Robert Gardos and Daniel Habesohn in three straight matches to progress to the semi final stages of the World Team Table Tennis Championships on the 30 March 2012!

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Ma Long - Photo by: sports.sina.com.cn

In the opening match World number 2 Zhang Jike faced Chen Weixing. Chen produced a strong performance varying his chops and attacks which caused Zhang some problems however Zhang Jike managed to clinch the crucial points to win in three straigh sets (11-8, 11-8, 12-10).

In the second match Robert Gardos and Ma Lin had an epic encounter. Robert produced some of the best table tennis shots ever seen including a backhand around the net! Although, the reigning Olympic Champion from China prevailed and defeated Robert in a close four set encounter (11-9, 10-12, 11-9, 11-7)

In the third and final match of the quarter final tie, mighty Ma Long stepped into the arena to face a determined Daniel Habesohn. Daniel put in a tremendous performance and impressed the crowd as he competed point by point with Ma Long. Ma Long managed to win the vital, crucial points of each set to win in three straight sets (11-9, 11-4, 11-9)

Interestingly Ma Long and Daniel missed many serves with the commentators speculating that it could have been due to the air conditioning... We will keep you posted on anything that gets updated on this situation.

Congratulations to China who will face either Chinese Taipei or Korea Republic in tomorrows semi final stages.

Semi Finals

Be sure to tune in to tomorrows semi final matches on the ITTF Live Streaming with chat. Matches proceed at:

Japan vs Germany 12:00 GMT Table 1

China vs Chinese Taipei or Korea Republic 18:00 GMT Table 1

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