by Ian Marshall, Editor

Required to qualify, throughout the whole journey Wang Chuqin surrendered just two games; those being against the host nation’s Kristian Karlsson in the opening round of the main draw (11-6, 11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 7-11, 11-4).

No charity

Following the Swedish test, he offered no more charity. He beat Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto (11-5, 11-4, 12-10, 11-4), colleague Zhao Zihao (11-6, 11-6, 11-7, 11-5) and Liang Jingkun (11-5, 11-5, 19-17, 11-8) before repeating the feat when facing Lin Gaoyuan in the final.

Equally, Lin Gaoyuan was most impressive. Just two weeks ago at semi-final stage the 2019 ITTF-ATTU Asian Championship, he beat compatriot Fan Zhendong (11-7, 11-6, 11-3). In Stockholm in the same round, he repeated the feat (6-11, 11-9, 12-10, 11-7, 8-11, 11-5).

Move to Sweden?

Breathtaking performances, despite defeat in the final, it was the same from Mima Ito who must think about moving to Sweden!

Last year, she beat Liu Shiwen in the final of the women’s event at the Liebherr 2018 World Team Championships, before at the ITTF World Tour Swedish Open accounting for Zhang Qiang, Liu Shiwen, Ding Ning and Zhu Yuling on her path to gold.

Now this year add the names of Wang Manyu (11-8, 4-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-4) and Sun Yingsha (8-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8, 11-3). The only reverse that against Chen Meng in the final today.

Eight matches against Chinese adversaries, seven wins!