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Wang Hao - Photo by: AP Photo/Sergei Grits

Today saw a fantastic match in the semi-finals of the mens team event in London with China facing Germany. China took the match with 3 games to 1 but Germany played fantastically and put on a spectacular show.

Ma Long and Dimitrij Ovtcharov took to the table first in what promised to be a fantastic game.

Ma Long just managed to take the first end 12-10 after some spectacular points. A surprise in the second end saw Dimitrij Ovtcharov fight back in epic style, taking the end 11-5. However, after a good start in the third set, Dimitrij Ovtcharov missed a crucial forehand topspin at 9-9 giving Ma Long the edge, who went on to take the next 12 points, before serving off in a show of sportsmanship. He took the last end 11-1.

The next game saw the surprise of the match and possibly of the games so far. Timo Boll put in a truely amazing performance to beat world number 1, Zhang Jike. A full report of this game can be found here here

More excitement was to follow in the doubles as Timo Boll and Bastian Steger took on Zhang Jike and Wang Hao.
The Germans again started strong taking the first end 12-10. However, the Chinese were not going to go down easily and after taking the second set 11-9, they were able to take the next two ends 11-5.

The pressure was now on Bastian Steger’s shoulders as he took on world number 2 Ma Long, a task that appeared far too difficult for the 31 year old. Ma long took the game in 3 ends, 11-3, 11-5 and 11-7.

Overall, the match showed some of the best table tennis that has been seen in the games so far. Well done to China who go on to play in the final on Wednesday.

We’ll find out who they face tomorrow, as Hong Kong face South Korea in the other semi-final.

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Alice Gregory- TableTennisDaily

Twitter- @aliceg94
 
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