Beijing Olympic Games

Updated: 2007-11-12

Wang Hao who captured the Men’s Doubles title in Bremen with Wang Liqin Photo By: Ayoade Ademakinwa

One year ago at the Liebherr German Open in Bayreuth Singapore’s Gao Ning and Yang Zi suffered heartbreak; they held match points in the seventh game against the pairing of France’s Patrick Chila and Austria’s Werner Schlager.

They did not seize the opportunities afforded; it was defeat.

Twelve months later in the city of Bremen, the chance of gold was once again on offer; again it eluded their grasp. They lost to the powerful pairing of Wang Ha and Wang Liqin.

The Chinese pair succeeded 8-11,11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 12-10, 11-7

Consolation

Nevertheless, there can be a degree of consolation for the Singaporeans. Since reaching the final at the Eurosib Russian Open in St Petersburg, just over one year ago, the have enjoyed immense success.

The Liebherr German Open was the ninth time they had reached a Men’s Doubles final on the ITTF Pro Tour fourteen outings since 1st November 2006; sadly it was their seventh defeat in the gold medal contest, their two titles having been clinched in 2007 in India and Austria.

Opening Game Success

In Bremen they made the better start against their formidable adversaries; the Singaporeans established a 10-7 lead in the opening game.

Wang Hao and Wang Liqin saved the first game point but they could not save the second.

Gao Ning and Yang Zi won the first game 11-8.

Chinese Recover

Stung by the first game reverse the Chinese stars showed their class in the second game. They were the first to attack; they forced errors from Gao Ning and Yang Zi.

They won the game 11-6 to bring the match score level.

Skill

Wang Hao and Wang Liqin had dominated the second game but in the third game it was Gao Ning and Yang Zi who made the better start.

The established an 8-4 lead; the ability of Yang Zi, close to the net, over the table being the key to the Singaporean successes; deft flicks and acute backhand blocks, he was creating opening for his partner Gao Ning.

Early Attacks

However, from 8-4 ahead Wang Hao and Wang Liqin never let him exercise those skills; they attacked first as in the previous game. They won six points in a row to lead 10-8; Gao Ning and Yang Zi saved the first game point but not the second.

Wang Hao and Wang Liqin won the game 11-9 and now had the advantage.

Lightning Start

As in the previous game it was Gao Ning and Yang Zi who made the better start. They went ahead 4-0 and 5-1; then they extended the advantage to 7-2 and at 10-5 had five game points. Wang Hao and Wang Liqin won the next three points.

The Singaporeans called ‘time out’ The break worked, Wang Liqin erred with a backhand topspin. They won the game 11-8, the match score was level.

Good Start Again

Once again, the Singaporeans made a good start; in the fourth game they moved into a 4-1 lead.

However, Wang Hao and Wang Liqin recovered; at 8-all it was parity, the next two points were shared with the Singapore duo in positive mood; then game point at 10-9 to China. Gao Ning and Yang Zi levelled. At 11-10, the Chinese pair had another chance to win the game, they made no mistake.

They won 12-10 and had a one game advantage.

Sixth Game

In the sixth game Gao Ning and Yang Zi fought to stay alive.

However Wang Hao and Wang Liqin were in the ascendancy. They went ahead 9-7. Chinese coach, Liu Guoliang called ‘time out’.

It was a shred move, the Chinese pair won the next two points and they were the champions.

Second Title

Victory for Wang Hao and Wang Liqin and perhaps considering all their successes one surprising fact; it was only their second ever Men’s Doubles title as a pair on the ITTF Pro Tour.

The one previous win was in 2006 at the Liebherr Qatar Open, in Bremen at the Liebherr German Open they doubles their career score!

(Credit: ITTF. Click here for further information.)