Li Xiaoxia left the audience shocked as she battled her way to victory, defeating world champion and team mate Ding Ning 4-1, in a controversial final.
The 6000 capacity stadium was packed to the rafters and you could definitely feel the excitement in the crowd. Both players must have been feeling the pressure of expectation with an estimated 500 million people watching in their home country but neither seemed fazed by the weight on their shoulders.
It was guaranteed that China would maintain their 100% win record, winning every Olympic women’s singles event since table tennis was first introduced to the games in 1988.
Ding Ning walked into the final as the favourite, wishing to add Olympic champion to her list of other achievements. Ding Ning was denied this opportunity by Xiaoxia who played the game of her life as well as decisions that were not in her favour.
The first set saw quick rallies and devastating shots from both players with Lia Xiaoxia just edging it 11-8.
During the first half of the second set, Li Xiaoxia used her powerful forehand well, not allowing her opponent to create any kind of lead over her before steaming ahead to give herself a 10-6 lead. However, Ding Ning fought back and Li Xiaoxia needed 6 game points to take the end 14-12.
The third set saw more astonishing table tennis, with both players showcasing the sport at its best and keeping the audience on the edge of their seat. It was clear that both players were fighting for this, and after a well called time out Ding Ning won the end 11-8.
Li Xiaoxia stormed ahead in the fourth set surrounded by controversy. Ding Ning attempted one of her trademark serves before being faulted. After addressing the umpire on the issue she was shown a yellow and red card, resulting in a loss of point. A display of emotion from the 22 year old led to a change of atmosphere in the arena but nevertheless, Li Xiaoxia took the set 11-6.
Li Xiaoxia took the last set easily against an opponent who had lost the confidence she showed as she went into the game.
Overall, it cannot be denied that Li Xiaoxia is a well deserved champion and it is unfortunate that the game may be remembered for more than just the amazing skill that was shown.
The world now looks on to tomorrow’s men’s singles semi-finals and finals in an Olympics that is proving to be unpredictable.
Like and tweet our articles around to the world. Lets spread the word of Table Tennis.
Alice Gregory – TableTennisDaily
The 6000 capacity stadium was packed to the rafters and you could definitely feel the excitement in the crowd. Both players must have been feeling the pressure of expectation with an estimated 500 million people watching in their home country but neither seemed fazed by the weight on their shoulders.
It was guaranteed that China would maintain their 100% win record, winning every Olympic women’s singles event since table tennis was first introduced to the games in 1988.
Ding Ning walked into the final as the favourite, wishing to add Olympic champion to her list of other achievements. Ding Ning was denied this opportunity by Xiaoxia who played the game of her life as well as decisions that were not in her favour.
The first set saw quick rallies and devastating shots from both players with Lia Xiaoxia just edging it 11-8.
During the first half of the second set, Li Xiaoxia used her powerful forehand well, not allowing her opponent to create any kind of lead over her before steaming ahead to give herself a 10-6 lead. However, Ding Ning fought back and Li Xiaoxia needed 6 game points to take the end 14-12.
The third set saw more astonishing table tennis, with both players showcasing the sport at its best and keeping the audience on the edge of their seat. It was clear that both players were fighting for this, and after a well called time out Ding Ning won the end 11-8.
Li Xiaoxia stormed ahead in the fourth set surrounded by controversy. Ding Ning attempted one of her trademark serves before being faulted. After addressing the umpire on the issue she was shown a yellow and red card, resulting in a loss of point. A display of emotion from the 22 year old led to a change of atmosphere in the arena but nevertheless, Li Xiaoxia took the set 11-6.
Li Xiaoxia took the last set easily against an opponent who had lost the confidence she showed as she went into the game.
Overall, it cannot be denied that Li Xiaoxia is a well deserved champion and it is unfortunate that the game may be remembered for more than just the amazing skill that was shown.
The world now looks on to tomorrow’s men’s singles semi-finals and finals in an Olympics that is proving to be unpredictable.
Like and tweet our articles around to the world. Lets spread the word of Table Tennis.
Alice Gregory – TableTennisDaily
