| Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor | |
| Wang Hao Wins a Second Major Crown in December 2006 | |
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Winner of the Men’s Singles title at the Asian Games in Doha on Thursday 7th December 2006, China’s Wang Hao added a second major title to his collection in the space of less than two weeks. In Hong Kong he beat Korea’s Oh Sang Eun in the Men’s Singles final at the Volkswagen Pro Tour Grand Finals in Hong Kong on Sunday 17th December 2006. Wang Hao won in six games; he succeeded 7-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-8, 12-10. |
| Confidence “Winning the Asian Games has certainly been a major boost to my confidence”, said Wang Hao. “I’ve been the runner up too many times in recent years; this year I reached the final of the Liebherr Men’s World Cup and lost to Ma Lin, so today was very important for me.” Opportunities It was disappointment for Oh Sang Eun and he had opportunities. “In every game I had a chance and in the sixth game I was ahead 10-6”, he sighed. It was a massive chance to extend the contest to seven games but Oh Sang Eun didn’t win another point. Wang Hao won six in a row; he was the champion and the proud owner of a Volkswagen GTI. Second Time The victory was the second occasion that Wang Hao had won the title at the Volkswagen Pro Tour Grand Finals. He won in 2003 when his prize was a Volkswagen Beetle; now he had a second car, something that Oh Sang Eun or to be more precise, Oh Sang Eun’s wife dearly wanted. Wife Wanted Car “My wife telephoned yesterday and said I had to win and win the car”, said Oh Sang Eun. “My wife really likes the Volkswagen GTI.” Alas, it was not to be and Oh Sang Eun must rue the missed opportunities in the sixth game. “I think I’ll steal the keys”, he joked. Wang Hao was very quick to respond. “I’ve got two”, he smiled. “I’ll sell it to you, good price!” Sportsmen For Wang Hao the price was success, for Oh Sang Eun it was so near yet so far but it was good to see that both could joke about the situation. No hard feelings, two superb athletes, two outstanding sportsmen, two gentlemen, a credit to their countries and to the sport of table tennis. |
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