Ma Long interviews, matches and beyond

On Feb 22 evening, China beat Sweden by 3-0 in the second group stage match.
In the first set of doubles, Ma Long / Xu Xin swept Par Gerell /Anton Kallberg by 3-0 (11:1, 11:6, 11:4). In the second set, Fan Zhendong beat Kristian Karlsson by 3-0 (11:8, 11:8, 11:7). In the third set, Xu Xin overcame Anton Kallberg by 3-1 (12:10, 9:11, 11:4, 12:10).
China is #1 of Group 1 and proceeds to the quarterfinal.

On Feb 23, China beat Germany by 3-0 in the quarterfinal of 2018 Team World Cup.
In the first set of doubles, Xu Xin / Fan Zhendong beat Patrick Franziska / Benedikt Duda by 3-0 (11:5, 11:6, 11:5). In the second set, Ma Long beat Ruwen Filus by 3-0 (11:9, 11:8, 11:8). In the third set, Xu Xin beat Benedikt Duda by 3-0 (11:4, 11:9, 11:7).








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China will face the host country England in the semifinal.
In the post-match interview, Ma Long was first asked about the match against a defensive player. He said, "I played against defensive players in Olympic Games and World Championships. But it has been a while and it is a challenge to my form. Although the result was 3-0, the match was quite close. I won't know how much my muscles will be affected until tomorrow." When asked about the semifinal opponent England, he said, "England is a strong team. We played in the quarterfinal of Rio Olympic Games. They also reached semifinal of 2016 World Team Championships. They must be full of fighting spirits with home crowds' support. We will get fully prepared for all five sets."
Coach Liu Guozheng commented, "In particular I am pleased with Ma Long's performance. He has been excellent, both calm and mature.

In the semifinal of 2018 Team World Cup against England, Ma Long scored in both doubles and singles and helped China cruise to the final with a 3-0 victory.
In the first set of doubles, Ma Long / Xu Xin beat Paul Drinkhall / Sam Walker by 3-0 (11:2, 11:7, 11:4). In the second set, Fan Zhendong overcame Liam Pitchford by 3-1 (8:11, 11:3, 11:9, 11:9). In the third set, Ma Long swept Sam Walker by 3-0 (11:5, 11:1, 11:2).





In the post-match interview with ITTF, he said, “I am very happy to come to London again. I was here for 2012 London Olympic Games last time. I had not played with Sam Walker before. My performance today was beyond my expectation. I studied his videos and found that he is of good level. While I was well prepared. The victory of Fan Zhendong over Liam Pitchford in the second set also made me at ease." When asked about the plan afterwards, he said, "I will take some rest first and watch the next semi-final in the evening. My goal is to help Team China win the champion. I will not relax until all the matches are over." When Japanese media asked him what they will prepare if they face Team Japan in the final, he said, "Japan is a young and strong team. We will try our best in the match. We won't do any special preparations, just do what we did previously because we have so many experiences in such tournaments."

Coach Liu Guoliang was the guest commentator of the match. He said Ma Long's play is a masterpiece. His style is rarely seen nowadays, a shakehander with a penholder inside - full of variations. He excels with his strategies, his versatility and his touch. He is a perfect mix of Jan-Ove Waldner and Kong Linghui. Coach Liu not only spoke highly of Ma Long but also analyzed the techniques and tactics Ma Long showcased during the match. Please stay tuned for our full translation of Coach Liu's commentary.

In the final of 2018 Team World Cup on Feb 25, Ma Long scored in both doubles and singles to lead China beating Japan by 3-0. This is China's 9th Team World Cup title and 7th consecutive victory.
In the first set of doubles, Ma Long / Xu Xin beat Koki Niwa / Jin Ueda by 3-0 (11:8, 11:9, 11:7). In the second set, Fan Zhendong beat Tomokazu Harimoto by 3-0 (11:7, 11:8, 11:8). In the third set, Ma Long faced Koki Niwa who caused some challenges in the second game. Ma Long took full control in the later games and beat Koki Niwa by 3-1 (11:8, 3:11, 11:5, 11:3).




In the post-match interview, Ma Long said,"It is quite normal to drop a game or two in best-of-five match. I had several unforced errors at the beginning of the second game and Koki Niwa played several great shots. I kept focus on the following games and tried to reduce unforced errors." "Koki Niwa is a player who is not comfortable to play against. He can break the rhythms of his opponent, not only me. I was prepared for that and losing the second game did not make me nervous as in previous encounters." When asked how he would celebrate the victory, he said, "I want some good sleep. Last night I woke up twice by the fire alarms in the hotel. I also need to shave my beard. It grows fast during the tournament and makes me look much older."





Coach Liu Guoliang commentated during live streaming, "When Ma Long makes changes, he does it on purpose strategically while when Koki Niwa makes changes, he simply does it at will." "Ma Long wants to play the match under his rhythm but his opponent may not always cooperate." "Ma Long shall not care about win or loss of one particular match. He has this god-given talent and he should show it to the humankind." Coach Liu also confirmed that Ma Long's wrist injury is under control. Please stay tuned for our full translation of Coach Liu's commentary.

Later Ma Long posted on his Sina Weibo, "I am grateful for everyone in the team. All efforts have paid off. We are still the champion. Congratulations to two newcomers of world champion club, Yu Ziyang and Lin Gaoyuan. BTW, Coach Liu Guoliang only used 10% of his commentary skills during the live streaming. I guess it may not be easy to follow him and get his points. Think over his comments. You may still laugh one day later. Thanks again to all the fans rooting for us. You are so great."






As always, our modest Captain gives credits to the team and fans. With his 6th Team World Cup title obtained today, he is the only male Chinese athlete of all summer Olympic sports who has won 20 world champion titles.

Ma Long's best shot at 2018 Team World Cup
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Ma Long becomes a 20-time world champion (6-time Team World Cup Champion, 6-time World Team Champion, 2-time Olympic Team Champion, 2-time World Singles Champion, 2-time Singles World Cup Champion, 1-time Olympic Singles Champion, 1-time World Doubles Champion). Only Wang Nan holds a better result among all table tennis players as a 24-time world champion.

On Feb 27, Ma Long came back to Beijing.







On Feb 28, our action figures collector received a new toy, a Warcraft Orgrim Doomhammer. He updated his Sina Weibo, "Thanks to my friend who sent me a new buddy. But who are you? Fine craftsmanship and great quality. I'd better not get up at night though. Here is the selfie."
Well, did you see his selfie at all?

DHS Sports just released Hurricane Long V 2018 edition.



Do you know the features of Ma Long's Hurricane Long blades I, II, III and V?

Mar 2 is Lantern Festival, which concludes the Chinese New Year celebrations. Happy Lantern Festival to all!



Yuanxiao, rice balls with various fillings, are traditional food for this holiday. Do you find them familiar?