by Ian Marshall, Editor
Moreover, both Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng were safe and secure at the head of the order before the final series of matches commenced.
In the men’s event, after beating Wang Chuqin (11-7, 11-5, 11-9), Liang Jingkun, Fan Zhendong’s nearest rival, lost to Xue Fei (9-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8, 11-6). Conversely, Fan Zhendong accounted for Xu Xin (11-6, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6) and Fang Bo 11-5, 16-14, 6-11, 11-8). Thus the die was cast.
“I never expected that I could secure the title one round in advance. So far, I have performed very well. I think this is very important for my World Championships journey. My confidence has been helped through this high pressure competition. Also, I learned a lot this time which will be very useful for me. Now we have closed training. Hope I can perform well in Budapest.
Fan Zhendong duly completed the tournament unbeaten by overcoming Yan An (11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-6); for Liang Jingkun life was somewhat different. Having started the day with just one defeat against his name; that being against Fan Zhendong on the third day of action (11-4, 11-9, 11-7), he concluded matters with a further defeat at the hands of Xu Chenhao (11-9, 11-9, 9-11, 3-11, 12-10).
Second place the end result for Liang Jingkun; considering his recent form, having won the men’s singles title at the Seamaster 2019 ITTF Challenge Portugal Open, it was no surprise. However, the name of the player who finished in third position did raise the eyebrows. Xue Fei, 20 years old, the 2017 World Junior champion, secured the third step of the podium. Most significantly in his concluding engagement, he accounted for Xu Xin (11-6, 11-8, 5-11, 10-12, 11-7).
Meanwhile, in the women’s event, wins for Chen Meng against Zhu Yuling (11-9, 7-11, 11-7, 11-7) and Gu Yuting (11-4, 11-9, 7-11, 11-8) secured first place. Ding Ning her nearest rival, lost to Wang Yidi (11-7, 12-10, 6-11, 8-11, 11-9) in her opening match of the day, before recovering to beat Zhu Yuling (13-11, 11-6, 6-11, 6-11, 11-7).
“My confidence level has improved. I am happy that my efforts in this recent period have paid off but this is just a beginning; my ultimate goal is the World Championships, so I need to have a better plan during the closed training. Fan Zhendong’s wish is my wish, I hope to extend my luck and realise my dream at the World Championships.” Chen Meng
Ding Ning concluded her itinerary by overcoming Gu Yuting (11-3, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8) to secure third position; Chen Meng overcame Wu Yang (12-10, 11-8, 11-3).
Notably Sun Yingsha, who had beaten Ding Ning on the second day of play (11-8, 11-8, 12-1), finished in second place; on the concluding day of action, she accounted for Gu Yuting (13-11, 7-11, 11-4, 12-10), Wu Yang (11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 13-11) and Sun Mingyang (5-11, 11-6, 4-11, 11-7, 11-9).
Results – Men
2019 Marvellous 12: Results – Men – Thursday 28th February
2019 Marvellous 12: Results – Men – Friday 1st March
2019 Marvellous 12: Results – Men – Saturday 2nd March
2019 Marvellous 12: Results – Men – Sunday 3rd March
Results – Women
2019 Marvellous 12: Results – Women – Thursday 28th February
2019 Marvellous 12: Results – Women – Friday 1st March
2019 Marvellous 12: Results – Women – Saturday 2nd March
2019 Marvellous 12: Results – Women – Sunday 3rd March
Standings – Men
2019 Marvellous 12: Standings – Men – Thursday 28th February
2019 Marvellous 12: Standings – Men – Friday 1st March
2019 Marvellous 12: Standings – Men – Saturday 2nd March
2019 Marvellous 12: Final-Standings – Men – Sunday 3rd March
Standings -Women
2019 Marvellous 12: Standings – Women – Thursday 28th February
2019 Marvellous 12: Standings – Women – Friday 1st March
2019 Marvellous 12: Standings – Women – Saturday 2nd March
2019 Marvellous 12: Standings – Women – Sunday 3rd March
Quotes of the Day
2019 Marvellous 12: Quotes of the day – Thursday 28th February
2019 Marvellous 12: Quotes of the day – Friday 1st March
2019 Marvellous 12: Quotes of the day – Saturday 2nd March
2019 Marvellous 12: Quotes of the day – Sunday 3rd March