Germany's Timo Boll, Dimitrij Ovtcharov and Patrick Baum faced Japan's Jun Mizutani, Koki Niwa and Seiya Kishikawa in the semi finals of the World Team Table Tennis Championships on the 31 March 2012! This is one of the most anticipated matches in recent times in table tennis! 11.500 spectators were in the crowd supporting predominately Germany!

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Dimitrij Ovtcharov in Dortmund - Photo by: Christof Koepsel, Bongarts via Getty Images

In the opening match Germany's Dimitrij Ovtcharov faced Japan's Jun Mizutani. Ovtcharov took control of the first set playing tactically well placing the ball in a different position every opportunity. In the second set it was level at 8-8 with the crowd at the edge of their seats. Jun Mizutani produced some fantastic defence which quickly turned into attack to go 9-8 up. Dima levelled with an extremely spun serve. At 9-9 the German was receiving back from the table and won with a superb forehand topspin which forced Jun to topspin long. A change of serve by Mizutani on the next point levelled the score line to 11-11. Dimitrij Ovtcharov played a tremendous backhand counter at 13-13. Ovtcharov clinched the second set after a backhand punch forcing his hands into the air in celebration.

In the third set the score line levelled at 6-6 which Jun serving. Jun missed a crucial forehand smash to put Dimitrij Ovtcharov into a 7-6 lead. Dimi further the score line to 9-6 with superb forehand and backhand topspin combinations. Could Dimitrij defeat the odds as Dimitrij Ovtcharov has never beaten Jun Mizutani in his career. A tremendous rally edged Mizutani to trail 9-7. Ovtcharov’s backhand was the key! He kept firing his backhand from Jun's forehand which gave him 3 match points! Mizutani won the next 2 points putting pressure wide on Ovtcharov’s forehand. Jun Mizutani gave a poor return with Dimitrij putting his forehand into the net. The Japanese number 1 saves 4 match points after an incredible retrieve.

Dimitrij Ovtcharov dropped to the floor winning his first ever match against Jun Mizutani as he won the last point from his spectacular forehand topspin putting Germany into a 1-0 lead over Japan! Match score: 11-7, 15-13, 13-11


The second match proceeded with Germany's Timo Boll facing Japan's rising superstar Koki Niwa. What a match in store for the strong 11.000 spectators. Both players serving very well throughout the set generally winning points from their own serve. Timo Boll used his spin to his effectiveness which Koki Niwa was struggling to adjust to. Timo took the first set 11-5.

In the second set, Boll made use of his reverse serves to play a strong third ball which Koki seemed to struggle with. Koki however was right on the tail of Timo Boll throughout the set as Koki distributed his whippy forehand and backhand from close to the table. Experience however prevailed in this set as Boll won the crucial points during the middle of the set to take the second set 11-7.

As the third set started it seemed this occasion was effecting Koki Niwa, the young rising player from Japan. The set commenced with both players top spinning away from the table using both wings! Every member of the crowd cheering on their favourite player. Koki Niwa led the set at 7-6 with Boll levelling right back. As the set approached the end, Boll one again won the vital points to go into a 9-8 lead. Koki Niwa quickly levelled to 9-9. Timo Boll surprised Koki with a fast reverse serve to have his first match point. Timo only needed one match point to secure victory over Koki Niwa putting Germany into a 2-0 lead over Japan!

Timo Boll defeated Koki Niwa 3-0 (11-5, 11-7, 11-9)


The third match commenced with Germany's Patrick Baum taking on Japan's Seiya Kishikawa. Seiya Kishikawa wins the first set for Japan against Patrick Baum after a superb rally to win 11-9. Seiya's momentum carried through into the second set which he clinched 11-6. Patrick Baum now under pressure started his comeback campaign in the third set. Patrick began to vary his play and maintained positive and won the set 11-5. In fourth set of the match went to Japan's Seiya Kishikawa as he punched his fists into the air when he clinched the set 13-11.

Seiya Kishikawa defeated Patrick Baum 3-1 (11-9, 11-6, 5-11, 13-11)

In the fourth match of this epic encounter Germany's Timo Boll faced Japan's Jun Mizutani. Jun Mizutani lost his first game which he was expected to win for Japan. Can Jun Mizutani redeem himself? Timo Boll has defeated Jun 14 times and has only lost once. Could this day be any different?

In the opening set Timo Boll took control by dominating the first ball leaving Jun no chance to attack. Boll took the first set 11-7. In the second set Jun Mizutani raced into a 7-4 lead playing tremendous table tennis putting pressure on the European number 1 from Germany. Boll once again showing why he has one of the best third ball shots in the World winning the point on his forehand. Boll serving at 7-6 won the point from a forehand counter. Boll now in momentum turned the set around to win by 11 points to 8.

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Photo by: REUTERS/Ina Fassbender

During the third set Jun Mizutani remained determined to win, despite being 2-0 down. Boll managed to sustain his superb high level performance of third ball attacking and reverse serve variations. Timo Boll now in a 7-5 lead as he closes in the gap for Germany. After a spectacular rally Timo Boll choed into the air with standing ovations from the crowd to go into a 8-5 lead. Germany now on the brink to victory.

Arguably the shot of the match!! Jun Mizutani backhand countered the ball down the line. Boll remained in the lead at 9-7. 2 points now required for Germany. Timo Boll changed his forehand direction which left Jun standing! Timo Boll now had two match points to put Germany through to the final of the World Team Table Tennis Championships 2012. Jun Mizutani saved 2 match points after two spectacular points! Boll maintained his composure with the crowd cheering Boll on every point! Timo Boll won the last point which made the ecstatic crowd erupt! Delighted Boll pumped his fists into the air to the joy of the German crowd and table tennis World.

Timo Boll defeated Jun Mizutani 3-0 (11-6, 11-8, 13-11

Congratulations to Germany as they progress through to the final of the World Team Table Tennis Championships 2012!

China vs Korea

Be sure to tune in to the second semi final of today's matches on the ITTF Live Streaming with chat.

China vs Korea Republic 18:00 GMT Table 1

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