Currently standing at no.7 on the ITTF Men’s World Rankings and seeded no.2 in Incheon; 34 year old Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus won the Men’s Singles title at the KRA Korean Open on Sunday 15th August 2010 to collect his second ITTF Pro Tour Men’s Singles crown of the year.

Just under one month ago in July he had won in Rabat at the Morocco Hassan II Open.

In Incheon he beat the host nation’s Joo Se Hyuk, the no.3 seed, in seven games at the final hurdle to clinch gold. Vladimir Samsonov won 11-8, 6-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 6-11, 11-6.

Impressive Tally
It was his 21st Men’s Singles title at open international tournaments on the ITTF Pro Tour; add to the tally victory in 1997 at the Grand Finals in Hong Kong and the record is even more impressive.

The past record suggested that he was the clear favourite; Joo Se Hyuk by contrast had only one ITTF Pro Tour Men’s Singles title to his name.

In 2006 he struck gold at the Volkswagen Open Korea, four years later, despite a spirited effort; he had to settle for the second step of the medal podium.

History Favoured Champion Elect
Furthermore, in contests between the two protagonists, history was very much in favour of Vladimir Samsonov.

The pair had met on two previous occasions in world ranking events and on both occasions success had gone the way of the man from Belarus.

At the Singapore Open in June 2008, Vladimir Samsonov prevailed in five games in their quarter-final Men’s Singles clash whilst one year later in November, likewise he surrendered just one games as he posted victory for Europe in the clash against Asia.

Testing Duel
Relatively comfortable wins, if such a feat is possible against the defensive skills of Joo Se Hyuk, however in 2010 at the KRA Korean Open, it was different yet the same.

A full distance duel was the difference, the verdict was the same.

Source: www.ittf.com

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