World Championships | 30 Apr 2018

Sweden in winning mode

LIEBHERR 2018 World Team Table Tennis Championships

 

On the delight of crowd in the fully packed Halmstad Arena Sweden beat Hong Kong 3:2 in the second round of the Men’s Team Event at the LIEBHERR 2018 World Team Table Tennis Championships.

 

Hong Kong had a better start, WONG Chun Ting overcame Jon PERSSON in straight games

 

“I needed to play aggressive against this kind of player. I started really good and then I had the confidence. I also think that he was a little bit stressed. He made some mistakes and I’m happy for that. We have a really good team spirit and this is also a reason why we can win this kind of match,” explained Jon.

 

After thrilling five games KARLSSON Kristian leveled the match by beating HO Kwan Kit: “It was a very important match, for 1-1. Generally, Sweden and Hong-Kong are the two main competitors for the second spot of the group so with this victory we have a good line to make the playoffs.”

 

Mattias KARLSSON widen the gap with victory over LAM Siu Hang: “I am really happy; it was a tough match. I started very well and then he was getting always better so I’m really happy to get this win for the team.”

 

WONG Chun Ting extended the duel to decisive match. He beat Kristian, but on his second exit to the table Jon overcame HO Kwan Kit.

 

Russia overcame DPR Korea 3:2.

 

 “I am very happy. We have a new team with young players because of SHIBAEV’S injury. SIDORENKO made a great last game and it will give him lot of confidence for the next stages. This team is the team of the future. They have to gain experience. They all are doing well and I am satisfied for that. Obviously, we don’t have to forget our best players like SHIBAEV, but it is a good sign to see these young players performing at this level. I also want to thank team Italy, because we made the preparation with them in Firmino and it was really great,” said Sergei VLASOV, Russian Coach.

 

Kirill SKACHKOV overcame CHOE Il in straight games, SIDORENKO lost against PAK Sin Hyok but in the decisive match he proved he is mature for the great results as he beat CHOE in five games duel. Sadi ISMAILOV lost his encounter against KANG Wi and SKACHKOV beat PAK Sin Hyok.