Hao Shuai is having the time of his life in the GAC GROUP 2012 ITTF World Tour Harmony China Open as he overcomes compatriot Xu Xin in six impressive sets! On Sunday the 24th August Hao Shaui showed his class and that he can still compete with the best as he overcome Xu Xin in the semi final of the Men's Singles in six sets with scores 11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6. On route to the final Hao Shuai overcome two mighty Europeans, Timo Boll and Vladimir Samsonov! Full report below between this epic left handed affair between Hao Shaui and Xu Xin.
Hao Shuai - Photo by: An Sang Ho
Hao Shaui the no.9 seed and Xu Xin the no.1 seed both were level pegging at 1 set each, when Hao produced a brilliant performance in the third set to really take the initiative of the match! A superb backhand topspin down the line put Hao into a 2-1 lead and convincingly won the set 11-8.
However, we all know Xu Xin is a fighter and did not give up there. After several out of this world forehand counters, quickly recovered and leveled the game to 2-2.
As the ITTF commentator expressed, "It's great to see Hao Shuai back in the limelight!" In the fifth set there were many impressive rallies, both left handed and the ball top spinning in both players forehand side of the court. Hao took the upper hand and raced into a 8-3 lead. Xu Xin however kept the pressure on, Hao was now in a 8-6 lead. A few distractions from the crowd stopped the play and an announcement asked nicely to have people remain seated. Quick hands and quick thinking from Xu Xin and he now had 2 serves in a 7-9 deficit. Hao Shuai beautifully attacked with both his forehand and backhand to take game point. Shuai in a 10-8 lead only needed 1 serve to progress in a 3-2 lead over Xu Xin after a breathtaking counter topspin rally! Hao certainty showing his touch play class in the fifth set and managed to attack early before his Chinese team partner Xu Xin could do so.
Hao Shaui was now oozing with confidence and raced into a 4-0 lead in the sixth set. Xu Xin seemed to be falling apart as the commentator repeated. Again, another poor return from Xu Xin and Hao Shuai launched the point away brilliantly. Xu Xin now started to show signs that he was under pressure and his game seemed to drop. 5 match points to Hao Shuai as he produced spectacular shots and recoveries.
Hao Shuai defeats the odds and progressed through to the Men's Singles Final of the GAC GROUP 2012 ITTF World Tour Harmony China Open!
The other semi final now commenes with two World Legends! Ma Lin and Wang Liqin! be sure to watch it live here.
Like and tweet our articles to the World. Lets spread the word of Table Tennis.
TableTennisDaily
Hao Shuai - Photo by: An Sang Ho
Hao Shaui the no.9 seed and Xu Xin the no.1 seed both were level pegging at 1 set each, when Hao produced a brilliant performance in the third set to really take the initiative of the match! A superb backhand topspin down the line put Hao into a 2-1 lead and convincingly won the set 11-8.
However, we all know Xu Xin is a fighter and did not give up there. After several out of this world forehand counters, quickly recovered and leveled the game to 2-2.
As the ITTF commentator expressed, "It's great to see Hao Shuai back in the limelight!" In the fifth set there were many impressive rallies, both left handed and the ball top spinning in both players forehand side of the court. Hao took the upper hand and raced into a 8-3 lead. Xu Xin however kept the pressure on, Hao was now in a 8-6 lead. A few distractions from the crowd stopped the play and an announcement asked nicely to have people remain seated. Quick hands and quick thinking from Xu Xin and he now had 2 serves in a 7-9 deficit. Hao Shuai beautifully attacked with both his forehand and backhand to take game point. Shuai in a 10-8 lead only needed 1 serve to progress in a 3-2 lead over Xu Xin after a breathtaking counter topspin rally! Hao certainty showing his touch play class in the fifth set and managed to attack early before his Chinese team partner Xu Xin could do so.
Hao Shaui was now oozing with confidence and raced into a 4-0 lead in the sixth set. Xu Xin seemed to be falling apart as the commentator repeated. Again, another poor return from Xu Xin and Hao Shuai launched the point away brilliantly. Xu Xin now started to show signs that he was under pressure and his game seemed to drop. 5 match points to Hao Shuai as he produced spectacular shots and recoveries.
Hao Shuai defeats the odds and progressed through to the Men's Singles Final of the GAC GROUP 2012 ITTF World Tour Harmony China Open!
The other semi final now commenes with two World Legends! Ma Lin and Wang Liqin! be sure to watch it live here.
Like and tweet our articles to the World. Lets spread the word of Table Tennis.
TableTennisDaily
