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The most successful male player in the history of the ITTF Pro Tour but no Men’s Singles title since he won at the Volkswagen Open Japan in September 2006, the drought ended for China’s Wang Liqin in Doha on Sunday 21st February 2010.
In the city which borders extensive desert lands, Wang Liqin recorded a five games victory over compatriot Zhang Jike to win the Men’s Singles title at the Qatar Open.
It was vintage Wang Liqin as he accelerated to the title.
He won 11-7, 10-12, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9.
Settled First
Wang Liqin, his counter topspin ability in full flow, made the better start; he captured the opening game as he forced errors from his younger opponent.
He won the first game being comfortable playing from half distance.
On the other hand when Zhang Jike could stay close the table and give Wang Liqin little time, he was successful.
Close
In the second game, neither player was able to exert their authority on proceedings.
At 7-all the scores were level but then the next two points went to Wang Liqin.
Zhang Jike won the next point but at 10-8 it was game point to Wang Liqin; the three times Men’s Singles champion was honing in on a two games to nil advantage but Zhang Jike had other ideas.
He won four points in a row to secure the game and level the match score.
Motivated
Motivated by the success, Zhang Jike went ahead 4-1 in the third game, Wang Liqin levelled at 5-all but then Zhang Jike re-established his lead, matching Wang Liqin in the counter topspin department.
He went ahead 7-5, Wang Liqin responded immediately to lead 10-8 and on his first opportunity converted the game point. He was one game ahead.
Confident
The success had clearly given Wang Liqin a boost of confidence. He moved ahead 7-3 in the fourth game.
Any fortune went his way but fortune favours the brave and Wang Liqin was in positive mode.
He secured the game and was within sight of the winning post.
Top Class Play
Top class table tennis was the package on view in the fifth game with Wang Liqin in the zone and Zhang Jike fighting for his life.
At 9-all the scores were level with Wang Liqin to serve; he took full advantage, both points went his way. He was the champion in Qatar yet again.
Little Evidence
Previous international history was minimal; Wang Liqin and Zhang Jike had met on only one previous occasion at international level.
In November 2009, they met in the Indian city of Lucknow in the at the Asian Championships when Zhang Jike had prevailed in six games in their semi-final encounter.
Experience
However, in terms of experience, Wang Liqin, the most successful male player in the history of the ITTF Pro Tour, was the favourite.
Furthermore, he had won twice previously in Qatar. He had won in 2005 and 2006.
In 2010, he won again.
Source: www.ittf.com
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