Lin Shidong beaten in thriller at WTT Europe Smash, Moregard eyes ‘big party’
Sun Yingsha triumphs in an all-China women’s final in Malmo
World No 1 Lin Shidong was beaten by Truls Moregard in the men’s final at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Europe Smash in Sweden on Sunday, after Sun Yingsha defeated Wang Manyu in the women’s final.
An epic battle between the men’s pair at the Malmo Arena was settled in Moregard’s favour only after Lin had staged a recovery from 3-1 behind to level at 3-3 then lead 9-8 in the decider.
Sweden’s Moregard won the first game 11-8 before China’s 20-year-old Lin hit back by the same scoreline. Moregard raced ahead, taking the next two 12-10 and 11-8. The next went Lin’s way 11-4, and so did the next, just, 13-11.
Moregard claimed three points in a row to edge the seventh 11-9 and clinch a 4-3 triumph for the host nation.
Lin had already come through a semi-final in which his fortunes slumped against Simon Gauzy of France, trailing 3-1 before clawing back to prevail 4-3. Another comeback proved beyond him against Moregard.
“It was a big dream for me to hold the trophy, it feels amazing,” Moregard said. “It feels like it’s not really happening. To win such a big title, it’s been a long time for me.
“I’ve won many medals and achieved a lot, but to win and stand on top and feel like you’re the best player in the event when everyone at the top of the world is playing, it really hits different.”