Two legendary titans of the table tennis game took center stage in the second semi final of the GAC GROUP 2012 ITTF World Tour Harmony China Open. Wang Liqin at 34 years of age and Ma Lin at 32 years of age playing table tennis like they were in their teenage years! In the first semi final Hao Shuai overcome Xu Xin in six spectacular sets. Both players in this semi final showed a huge amount of pride. Full report below.
Wang Liqin at the China Open 2012 - photo by: sports.sohu.com
Wang Liqin raced into a 2 set lead over Ma lin and took initiative of the attacks early with scores 11-5, 11-7. in the third set Wang Liqin maintained momentum and used his blocking to great use to put Ma Lin on the backs of his feet. Wang Liqin had game point at 10-9 however Ma Lin came out with a trademark forehand counter topspin. A high toss serve from Ma Lin fooled Wang and Ma Lin reversed the scoreline. A quick recovery from Liqin now at 11-11. Liqin won on his serve after a tremendous forehand rally and took the point on Ma Lin's serve. Wang Liqin now in a 3-0 lead over compatriot Ma Lin.
Wang Liqin was now in a 3-0 lead, could Ma Lin make a historic comeback in front of his fans? In the fourth set Ma Lin managed to find form and was in a 9-6 lead. Ma Lin clipped a edge and now had two game points on service. After a sensational rally with the crowd on their feet, Ma Lin the world number 6 won the set. The crowd were trying to urge their favorites for a full length game. Wang Liqin with a 3-1 lead in sets.
In the fifth set of this historical affair, the rallies were becoming better and better with Wang Liqin and Ma Lin going at it hammer and tongs. Wang Liqin was making most of his opportunities when winning the short game and using his spectacular legendary forehand to win the point. Ma Lin in a 7-6 lead, used his reverse penhold backhand to produce a superb winner. Ma Lin only needed one match point to put the game back to 3-2. Ma Lin is fighting back to the crowds delight.
Ma Lin took control of the sixth set with a 5-3 lead and Wang Liqin seemed to be drifting. A tremendous chop block by Lin made Liqin completely miss the ball due to the side spin! Just when you think Ma Lin had the measure of things, Wang Liqin bought the set back to 7-7. Wang Liqin pumps his fist into the air as he wins a brilliant rally! Ma Lin chopped the ball like his rival Joo Se Hyuk! The match now stood at 8 a piece. An outrageous forehand block from Liqin, and again pumped his fist in the air. The crowd now really entertained, at 12-12 both players giving their absolute all for the cause and a shot in the final against team mate Hao Shuai.
In the seventh and final set Wang Liqin did everything perfectly. From his short game to blocking and to his counter attacks and won the set in convincing fashion by 11 point to 3.
After a fantastic comback from Ma Lin it wasnt enough and Wang Liqin progressed through to the Men's Singles Final of the GAC GROUP 2012 ITTF World Tour Harmony China Open where he will face another compatriot Hao Shuai!
The Women's Singles Final will commence at 12.30pm GMT followed by the Men's Singles Final! Be sure to watch it live here.
Like and tweet our articles to the World. Lets spread the word of Table Tennis.
TableTennisDaily
Wang Liqin at the China Open 2012 - photo by: sports.sohu.com
Wang Liqin raced into a 2 set lead over Ma lin and took initiative of the attacks early with scores 11-5, 11-7. in the third set Wang Liqin maintained momentum and used his blocking to great use to put Ma Lin on the backs of his feet. Wang Liqin had game point at 10-9 however Ma Lin came out with a trademark forehand counter topspin. A high toss serve from Ma Lin fooled Wang and Ma Lin reversed the scoreline. A quick recovery from Liqin now at 11-11. Liqin won on his serve after a tremendous forehand rally and took the point on Ma Lin's serve. Wang Liqin now in a 3-0 lead over compatriot Ma Lin.
Wang Liqin was now in a 3-0 lead, could Ma Lin make a historic comeback in front of his fans? In the fourth set Ma Lin managed to find form and was in a 9-6 lead. Ma Lin clipped a edge and now had two game points on service. After a sensational rally with the crowd on their feet, Ma Lin the world number 6 won the set. The crowd were trying to urge their favorites for a full length game. Wang Liqin with a 3-1 lead in sets.
In the fifth set of this historical affair, the rallies were becoming better and better with Wang Liqin and Ma Lin going at it hammer and tongs. Wang Liqin was making most of his opportunities when winning the short game and using his spectacular legendary forehand to win the point. Ma Lin in a 7-6 lead, used his reverse penhold backhand to produce a superb winner. Ma Lin only needed one match point to put the game back to 3-2. Ma Lin is fighting back to the crowds delight.
Ma Lin took control of the sixth set with a 5-3 lead and Wang Liqin seemed to be drifting. A tremendous chop block by Lin made Liqin completely miss the ball due to the side spin! Just when you think Ma Lin had the measure of things, Wang Liqin bought the set back to 7-7. Wang Liqin pumps his fist into the air as he wins a brilliant rally! Ma Lin chopped the ball like his rival Joo Se Hyuk! The match now stood at 8 a piece. An outrageous forehand block from Liqin, and again pumped his fist in the air. The crowd now really entertained, at 12-12 both players giving their absolute all for the cause and a shot in the final against team mate Hao Shuai.
In the seventh and final set Wang Liqin did everything perfectly. From his short game to blocking and to his counter attacks and won the set in convincing fashion by 11 point to 3.
After a fantastic comback from Ma Lin it wasnt enough and Wang Liqin progressed through to the Men's Singles Final of the GAC GROUP 2012 ITTF World Tour Harmony China Open where he will face another compatriot Hao Shuai!
The Women's Singles Final will commence at 12.30pm GMT followed by the Men's Singles Final! Be sure to watch it live here.
Like and tweet our articles to the World. Lets spread the word of Table Tennis.
TableTennisDaily
