The final of the men’s event at the Bosideng Multiglory World Cup will be between Kakinikos KREANGA of Greece and China's MA Lin; the same as a year ago when the pair met in Jiangyin; in the semi-finals on Sunday 31 October KREANGA beat Korea’s JOO Se Hyuk whilst MA Lin overcame his compatriot WANG Hao.
KREANGA who lost in the semi-finals of the Men’s Singles at the Liebherr World Individual Championships in 2003 to JOO Se Hyuk used his strong topspin strokes from both wings to overcome the Korean’s defensive skills
`Paris was the first time that I’d played JOO Se Hyuk, then he was new to everybody. I’ve played him since and now I know how to play against him’, said KREANGA. `However, I still feel tired and my hand is still shaking.’
KREANGA took a long holiday after a disappointing Athens Olympic Games; he didn’t practice for a while and didn't make any special preparations for the World Cup. `I trained very hard for the Olympic Games and until now doing that has worked’, KREANGA continued. `I’m not thinking too much about the final because in China it’s always difficult.’
`I couldn't find out a way to handle his backhands’, explained a disappointed JOO Se Hyuk who now plays WANG Hao to determine third spot. The latter lost to the defending champion MA Lin 11-1, 11-8, 11-3, 11-4. `We're very familiar with each other, that's why he knew my weakness’, said WANG Hao. `He didn't give me a chance to get close or to fight back.’
MA Lin will play Kalinikos KREANGA on Sunday evening in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.
