China’s XU Xin and ZHANG Jike are the new Men’s Doubles World Champions after being victorious at the Qoros 2015 World Table Tennis Championships in Suzhou China. In the final XU and ZHANG overcame teammates FAN Zhendong and ZHOU Yu 4-2 (12- China’s XU Xin and ZHANG Jike are the new Men’s Doubles World Champions after being victorious at the Qoros 2015 World Table Tennis Championships in Suzhou China. In the final XU and ZHANG overcame teammates FAN Zhendong and ZHOU Yu 4-2 (12-14 11-7 11-9 9-11 11-7 11-9). XU added the gold to his Mixed Doubles title with his Korean partner YANG Haeun to become the first international mixed doubles champions since 1954. On their route to gold the dynamic duo took down international pairing of Timo BOLL (GER) and MA Long (CHN) and Japan’s Masataka MORIZONO and Yuya OSHIMA among other strong contenders for the crown. “I am very happy to win my first ever doubles title at the World Championships. The support from the media and cheers from the fans in the venue definitely was a huge motivation behind the win ” said ZHANG. XU added: “Very honored to be able to win both doubles medals but honestly it feels a little incomplete for me having knocked out early in the Men’s Singles event.”
LI & LI put Europe on medal list
The only medal winners coming from Europe are LI Jia and LI Qian. The successful combination of Dutch and Poland’s girls reached semi final of the Women’s’ Doubles Event at the Qoros 2015 World Table Tennis Championships in Suzhou China. In the penultima The only medal winners coming from Europe are LI Jia and LI Qian. The successful combination of Dutch and Poland’s girls reached semi final of the Women’s’ Doubles Event at the Qoros 2015 World Table Tennis Championships in Suzhou China. In the penultimate stage they have been beaten in the duel against newly crowned World singles Champion DING Ning and LI Xiaoxia of China 4:0 (11:5 11:2 11:7 11:6). “It was very difficult to play against them. We were to slow for our adversaries and could not find the answer for their top spins ” stated LI Jie. The adjustment to Chinese style is crucial for European challengers. “We do not have opportunity to play on trainings against Chinese stars. Only time we meet is on big Championships and then it is too late. It was the same case here. Before third game we struggled to find the rhythm and to read our opponents. After third things got better but then it was to late ” explained LI Qian. On their way to the medal rostrum LI jie and LI Qian overcame HU Melek of Turkey and SHEN Yanfei of Spain KIM Hye Song and KIM Jong of Korea Miu HIRANO and Mima ITO of Japan and Matilda EKHOLM of Sweden and Lea RAKOVAC of Croatia. “Beside the last duel and the match against young Japan’s players all the rest were easy for us.” said LI Jie. The encounter against HIRANO and ITO in the second Round was something different. “We did not expect we would win it. We were relaxed and we just keep on playing. Eventually w won it 4:3 ” explained LI Qian.
2015 WC in Suzhou raises global awareness
The Qoros 2015 World Championships is well on track to be the most followed table tennis event of all time. Over the first five days of competition that started on 26 April not only was the sessions well attended by spectators flooding into Suzhou from a The Qoros 2015 World Championships is well on track to be the most followed table tennis event of all time. Over the first five days of competition that started on 26 April not only was the sessions well attended by spectators flooding into Suzhou from all around the globe total unique viewership in China alone achieved a record 185 727 000 audiences as reported by CCTV. The historic mixed doubles match won by Chinese/Korean pair XU Xin and YANG Haeun recorded the maximum unique viewership of 81 770 000 in the host country. With unprecedented level of efforts on the social media promotion the 2015 World Championships have also achieved Facebook impressions of 7 730 000 and resulted in over 823 302 000 hits on ITTF.com over the six days of event.
FANG beat reigning world and OG champion
ZHANG Jike the no.3 seed suffered defeat at the semi-final stage of the Men’s Singles event at the QOROS 2015 World Championships in Suzhou by Chinese National Team compatriot FANG Bo the no.13 seed. FANG Bo who played at the World Championships for a ZHANG Jike the no.3 seed suffered defeat at the semi-final stage of the Men’s Singles event at the QOROS 2015 World Championships in Suzhou by Chinese National Team compatriot FANG Bo the no.13 seed. FANG Bo who played at the World Championships for a first time won in five games. The winner of the OIympic Games Men’s Singles title had been beaten in the game where FANG dominated. “I think I played better than my level” added FANG Bo. “I think I was lucky to beat Zhang Jike. I made full preparations today and I performed quite well in the match. We are in one team and have training together every day. So we are quite familiar with each other and I know much about him.” Earlier in the day in first semi final MA Long beat FAN Zhendong. “MA Long is the best table tennis player in the world and he is better than me in all aspects. So I will mainly focus on playing to the best of my ability and fighting for the championship.”
Continents join forces to help Nepal
The Continental Unions agreed to raise funds among the Continents concerning Nepal. The money will be used for table tennis activities in Nepal similar to the activities that were done in Haiti after the earthquake that stroke that country. The Continenta The Continental Unions agreed to raise funds among the Continents concerning Nepal. The money will be used for table tennis activities in Nepal similar to the activities that were done in Haiti after the earthquake that stroke that country. The Continental TT federations donated US$10 000. European TTU Asian TTU donated 2.000 each whilst Africa Latin America North America and Ocenaia donated 1.500 each. In discussion with the Nepal representatives it will be decided what kind of projects they will need the most at this moment. “Nepal is going through very hard times. The need for any kind of help in Nepal is tremendous. I see this contribution as a natural and human gesture to support where you can. The contribution is aimed at helping Nepalese table tennis in restoring the first damages suffered. I am glad all Continental TT federations felt the same ” said President Ronald KRAMER
Mixed Doubles might be at Olympics in 2020
ITTF President Thomas WEIKERT held a press-conference at the 2015 Qoros World Table Tennis Championships at the Suzhou International Expo Centre. Day before he had a meeting with the players so he said that the organizers got the very good compliment f ITTF President Thomas WEIKERT held a press-conference at the 2015 Qoros World Table Tennis Championships at the Suzhou International Expo Centre. Day before he had a meeting with the players so he said that the organizers got the very good compliment from that meeting:“There were no complaints about the sport conditions so that should be a big compliment for the organizers. That means sport conditions to play here are very good.” There will be some news regarding Olympic Events in Japan. “The agenda for 2020 from the IOC is interesting for us because the it says they want to have mixed events. I spoke with International Olympic Committee president Thomas BACH to have a fifth competition in the 2020 Olympics so probably the mixed doubles.” WEIKERT said that cooperation between China and Europe must be strengthened. Not only that players should practice more in China but the exchange of coaches will also be very important. The question of the trend of Chinese players obtaining foreign citizenship to represent other countries was also rised. “It’s a big issue especially in Europe and my opinion is very clear. It is not welcomed if you today play for China and tomorrow you play for whichever country. I think this is not correct but if you have time to adapt to the country for example a Chinese player wants to live in Europe and he lives there for five years or eight years and then you get a German or English or Swiss passport then in my opinion it’s reasonable that you can play in this country.” The question of qualification system for the World Championships is very important topic. There was a doubt should the Championships remain free for every nation or some qualification system should be installed. “Last year we made the rule that only 96 teams can participate at the team championships. This will not affect the women – in 2014 Tokyo we had 94 women’s teams – but it will affect the men’s teams because we have more than 110.”
BOLL lost despite brilliant performance
Timo BOLL the winner of the bronze medal in Men’s Singles Event at the World Championships 2011 in Rotterdam despite brilliant performance failed to repeat the success at the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships. German player lost against World’ Timo BOLL the winner of the bronze medal in Men’s Singles Event at the World Championships 2011 in Rotterdam despite brilliant performance failed to repeat the success at the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships. German player lost against World’s no 4 FAN Zhendong in six games (10:12 9:11 11:8 7:11 15:13 7:11). Compering his performance to the one in previous rounds BOLL took it to the next level. He was fast deadly precise but still it was not enough… “Against Chinese players you just had to be better. It is just like that. Chinese players force you to give the best you have. I have doubts I could play much better then I played today. I had chances in two opening games had few nets edges…maybe I am missing a little bit of luck sometimes ” said BOLL. BOLL was in the lead in two opening sets but he managed to convert game point and add the set to his record in the third game. “I need to feel their game before I come at the big tournament. I even play Chinese Super League but it is not enough. In short period of time your hand just lost the feeling for them. Only way is to make chance to practice with Chinese players before the big Championships. That is the only way we can adjust our game and get into the match more relaxed and prepared. Now we are preparing for Chinese play during the match and then it is too late. Maybe I will not need that little luck after all if I would be ready for them. Here it was like against MA Long in Paris. They make a big gap at the beginning and later it is hard to catch them.” Despite Patrick FRANZISKA’S brave effort World’s no. 14 FANG Bo made his way to the medal rostrum tomorrow. Player from Germany currently placed at position no. 56 lost 1:4 (5:11 9:11 11:8 5:11 5:11). “I was two games in reverse in previous round against KOU Lei so I was not afraid when Bo made advantage. The tactics remained the same; I kept on fighting. Already at the closing stage of the second game I played very good and I started to adjust to his rhythm. However I missed ball at 9:9 to easy ” said FRANZISKA. Patrick won third game and started well the next one. “In both fourth and fifth games I had a lead but Bo forced me into errors.” FRANZISKA was close to the medal and that is the fact no one could predict. “I am not happy now but tonight on our dinner with the team I will hopefully realize the scale of success here. I was in the fight for medal and that is a big thing.” Coach Jorg ROSSKOPF has all the reason to be proud of his players. Both BOLL and FRANZISKA reached quarterfinals and both gave their best prior to defeat. “I am very happy. Of course we did not expect Dimitrij OVTCHAROV’s early departure but performance of rest of the team was at the highest level. BOLL played fantastic match. He was unlucky with few balls especially in two opening games. If he managed to take even one of those two games it could be different story ” said ROSSKOPF. ”FRANZISKA was out of the game for more then a four months and he had outstanding tournament here. His game against Marcos FREITAS proved that he might be very consistent. It was very important win.”
Women’s crown for DING Ning
World No. 1 DING Ning of China justified her rankings and despite a severe ankle injury clinched the title in the Women’s Singles Event at the Qoros 2015 World Table Tennis Championships at the Suzhou International Exhibition Centre. She overcame LIU Shiw World No. 1 DING Ning of China justified her rankings and despite a severe ankle injury clinched the title in the Women’s Singles Event at the Qoros 2015 World Table Tennis Championships at the Suzhou International Exhibition Centre. She overcame LIU Shiwen in full seven game thriller to gain her second title in singles and the 11th consecutive title in the event for China. In the second point of the seventh game DING tumbled to the floor clutching her ankle. She was stretching to reach a backhand off a LIU shot fired down the centre when she went over on her right ankle she got the shot back into play but immediately the pain showed on her face when she rolled on the ground. The break lasted for nine minutes before she came back to the game. “I definitely did not want to give up since I had come so far. I just wanted to give out all my strength in this match. Finally I won the match and I feel that it is just like a dream ” said DING. Crowned World champion in Paris in two years earlier the reign of LI Xiaoxia came to an end few hours earlier in the semi final of the event. Occupying the no.3 seeded position in the draw she was beaten by LIU Shiwen the no.2 seed. DING Ning accounted for qualifier MU Zu.
Baku signs new deals to show EG in Europe and Central Asia
Baku 2015 has signed further agreements with broadcasters across Europe and Central Asia to screen this summer’s inaugural European Games to be staged between 12-28 June. Agreements have recently been signed with: NOS – the Netherlands free-to-air public Baku 2015 has signed further agreements with broadcasters across Europe and Central Asia to screen this summer’s inaugural European Games to be staged between 12-28 June. Agreements have recently been signed with: NOS – the Netherlands free-to-air public broadcaster and Olympic rights holder Czech TV together with DIGI Sport will broadcast extensive daily coverage of the European Games to millions of viewers across the Czech Republic TV6 – Baku 2015 have partnered with the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee to license TV6 part of the Modern Times Group to screen the Games on their free-to-air channel ORF – the Austrian public broadcaster will have exclusive free-to-air rights and will offer 60 minute highlights on a daily basis on its dedicated ORF Sport Plus sports channel Setanta Sports Eurasia – have been granted exclusive TV rights in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Further to the deals signed with these six new broadcast partners Mr Simon CLEGG Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015 was able to outline the extent of the Baku 2015 television audience at a glittering evening hosted earlier this week by the Azerbaijani ambassador to the UK at the world-famous Dorchester Hotel in London held in honour of the Baku 2015 European Games. Mr CLEGG said: “The latest television deals show the extensive interest across Europe and beyond in the European Games being staged in Baku this summer. Our broadcasting arrangements across Europe mean that more than 225 million European households will be able to watch the Games delivering 75% of total market penetration in the 32 European countries announced to date. With deals in place around the world we can guarantee a truly global audience for this inaugural event.” The agreements are the latest in a series signed by Baku 2015 with the event’s broadcast reach now stretching to all corners of Europe and across the globe. Agreements have also been signed in the United States Canada Australia China Hong Kong India and Latin America in addition to North Africa and the Arab World. Mr André BOLHUIS President of the National Olympic Committee of the Netherlands said: “It’s great news for Dutch sport that NOS will screen the inaugural European Games and for the public to be able to follow and support our athletes competing in Baku. Dutch people love sport and I’m sure that our competitors will be encouraged by the support of millions of NOS viewers during Baku 2015. It is also important for people in our country to get to know the event as we have a strong desire to organise the next edition in 2019.”
China & Korea clinch the crown in MD
China’s XU Xin and Korea’s YANG Haeun took the crown in mixed doubles event at the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships. Previously Ivan ANDREADIS (TCH) & Gizella FAKAS (HUN) were the last international mixed doubles pair to win go China’s XU Xin and Korea’s YANG Haeun took the crown in mixed doubles event at the QOROS 2015 World Table Tennis Championships. Previously Ivan ANDREADIS (TCH) & Gizella FAKAS (HUN) were the last international mixed doubles pair to win gold in 1954. They defeated Japanese pairing of Kasumi ISHIKAWA and Maharu YOSHIMURA 4-0 (11-7 11-8 11-4 11-6). XU was knocked out from the Men’s Singles event by his colleague FANG Bo after sustaining a shoulder injury. ” I am glad that our partnership worked out well despite my injury. I am neither a hero nor a warrior but I made sure that I give my best. As long as that is the case I think the outcome matters less compared to the process and efforts. This victory is a result of the combined efforts by me and my partner her performance has been very stable since our first match here in Suzhou and she has improved a lot to help us win against the Japanese in the finals ” the world number two said. Delighted about her first ever World Championship title YANG expressed that “I am really excited that we could win the title. It is definitely an invaluable experience for me and have learnt a lot from this partnership with XU Xin not just in techniques but also in terms of mental strength.” Kasumi ISHIKAWA and Maharu YOSHIMURA are Japan’s first mixed doubles finalists since 1977 which they lost.
