2020 ITTF World Tour Platinum German Open Magdeburg January 30-February 2. XU Xin beats MA Long in the Men’s Singles final
Actual Olympic and World champion China’s MA Long beat host player Dimitrij OVTCHAROV in the semi-finals of the 2020 ITTF World Tour Platinum German Open in Magdeburg but the ultimate winner is the top seed XU Xin who overcame MA in all-Chinese gold medal contest.
OVTCHAROV was a bit tired after exhausting quarter-final clash against World no. 1 FAN Zhendong held yesterday which lasted 75 minutes (4:3 for German) but once again he showed his fighting spirit against most decorated player in the history of ITTF World Tour. Host levelled at 2:2 taking third and fourth game bay a narrow margin but Chinese found winning mode in next two to win 4:2 (11:3 11:9 11:13 13:15 11:3 11:6).
“It was a close play. It was difficult to start with positive balls. During the sixth set with leading five to one point I could not use my chances to receive other points. Two edge balls were unlucky. Nevertheless I though every time to win the match. For the future time I am drawing conclusions. Ma Lon is world champion and winner of the Olympic Games every player in the world has difficulties to win against him” stated Dimitrij OVTCHAROV.
MA Long mentioned great atmosphere in the gym during his clash with OVTCHAROV:
“I was a little bit nervous. It hasn’t bother me at all since i tried to focus on my own game and it also did cheer me up a lot hearing public cheering around. It was a great atmosphere”.
In the final match XU Xin justified his status at the seeding list and beet MA Long in straight games – 4:0 (15:13 11:8 11:7 11:5). He was fully delighted by this outcome:
“MA Long is a legend and I am very glad that I can be his opponent. I am pretty happy with the result. I can say it proudly that I have the best win-loss-record against him among the active player”.
