World Championships | 30 Sep 2022

Luxembourg and Poland upset the rankings in Chengdu

On the afternoon session at the 2022 ITTF World Team Championships Finals in Chengdu, Luxembourg beat the 4th seeds Korea Republic 3-1. There has been a shock result in the Men's Teams as well, with unseeded Poland proving their worth in overcoming 8th seed England 3-2. Romania overcame Sweden in Women's Event after thrilling five matches.

In team Luxembourg NI Xia Lian justified her status by beating JEON Jihee and LEE Zion, and it was Tessy GONDERINGER who put Luxembourg ahead of Korea Republic, defeating KIM Hayeong for a career best win (12-10, 11-9, 2-11, 11-9). In the third game KIM was on her way to level the game, but Tessy managed to halt her spirited comeback.

"It was only important for me to stay calm and to keep on play ball for ball. This is perfect start for us," said GONDERINGER.

NI stated that this win belongs to the team.

"The harmony was very important in our victory. We have to thank to our coach on that. Korea is very strong team, but this is today's victory and we already thinks about tomorrow," said NI.

The leaders in Group 6, Romania underlined their status, but not without great fight. Sweden proved worthy adversary. Bernadette SZOCS gave Romania dream start with the win over Matilda HANSSON in three straight games, but Linda BERGSTROM had other plans. She overcame Elizabeta SAMARA and SZOCS, both in five games. Adina DICONU overcame Filippa BERGAND, before in the decisive match SAMARA overcame HANSSON in another five games duel.

"In the last match, I won my opening game easily, but then she read my service game and it became difficult to play against Matilda. We are the favorites in this Group and the pressure was on us. It was the case in my last match for sure. Matilda got nothing to lose; she played more relaxed and she risked more. It was very hard to find the answer to that," said SAMARA.

In men's event Poland beat England in five matches. Whilst all three Samuel KULCZYCKI, Maciej KUBIK and Milosz REDZIMSKI scored for Poland, it was only Liam PITCHFORD who recorded wins for England. Samuel KULCZYCKI put Poland ahead with a 3-1 win over David MCBEATH, PITCHFORD beat REDZIMSKI and KULCZYCKI; Maciej KUBIK stealing a tight victory over England's Samuel WALKER. In the decisive match REDZIMSKI beat MCBEATH.

"We played a good game, everyone contributed to the victory and gave it their best. We are very happy. In my last match I played confidently and agressive, it allowed me to win 3-0. Of course, I had to be focused all time and fortunately I wasn't thinking about importance of this match. It was tough but great new experience in my pocket," said REDZIMSKI.