World Championships | 27 Apr 2019

Mattias FALCK booked his place in the final

LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships

Sweden waited 22 years for the final of the Men’s Singles Event at the World Championships and Mattias FALCK finally made it. In the semi final of the LIEBHERRR 2019 ITTF World Championships in Budapest Swede overcame Korea’s AN Jaehyun in seven thrilling games. Last time Swede won the title was Jan-Ove Waldner in Manchester 1997.

 

AN was the player with the better start, but Mattias took the control of the match very fast.

 

“Of course I was nervous. This was a huge match. I am so proud to be in the final and to see my name among so many greats of Swedish table tennis,” said FALCK.

 

FALCK praised his adversaries game.

 

“He is very strong and smart player. In the sixth game he changed his tactics and he put me under big pressure. I have to adjust and to change my game, to be more aggressive. I tried but it did not pay off at the beginning of the seventh game. He was up 4:2. I missed few points I should put on the table,” said FALCK.

After 2:4, FALCK recovered and made eight points in the row.

 

In other semi final MA Long of China beat his compatriot LIANG Jingkun (8-11, 11-6, 9-11, 9-11, 12-14).

 

“I will take some time to enjoy this moment tonight. I will be ready for the duel tomorrow.”