WTT Europe Smash: Hong Kong duo ‘played braver’ to win men’s doubles final

Hong Kong’s Wong Chun-ting and Baldwin Chan Ho-wah said their courage and determination had made the difference after they won the men’s doubles title at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Europe Smash in Sweden on Saturday.

The duo, the world No 8 in men’s doubles, beat mainland China pair Lin Shidong and Huang Youzheng in the final, twice clawing back the lead in Malmo before eventually coming out on top 3-2.

They lost the opening game 7-11 to their Chinese opponents before winning the second 11-9. The Hong Kong duo were again behind when they lost the third game 4-11 before winning their final games 11-6 and 11-8 to seal the title.

“We are thrilled to win the title,” Wong said. “Our opponents performed well for today’s match, but we played our shots with more determination.

“We made ample preparations before the match, and we trusted each other a lot on court. We could adjust and mobilise ourselves in time thanks to our great teamwork.

“During the match, we played braver shots. We had a great performance, definitely.”