Olympic champion Ma reaches final in ITTF China Open

Newly crowned Olympic champion and world No. one Ma Long advanced to the men's singles final at the ITTF China Open after outclassing compatriot Zhang Jike in a seven-game thriller here on Saturday.

In a rematch of the Olympic final in Rio, Ma defeated Zhang 6-11, 11-9, 11-9, 3-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-5.

"Several games were decided by just one or two points. Anybody who had better control of the game would win eventually. Luckily, I won some crucial points in the seventh," said Ma.

Ma swept past Zhang in straight games in Rio to become the fifth male player who have won all major titles in table tennis - the Olympics, world championships and world cup. Kong Linghui, Liu Guoliang, Zhang Jike and Jan-Ove Waldner.

"It seemed easy for me in the Olympic final, but the first game was undoubtedly of great importance. If Zhang could have taken two game points in the first, then he would have the possibility of winning in four straight games," he said.

Zhang blamed a lack of luck for his defeat.

"We were too familiar with each other. I felt a little distracted at last, especially in the seventh game. Also the luck was not on my side. Ma made fewer unforced mistakes than me in the decisive game," said Zhang.

Ma will meet Fan Zhendong in the final. Fan stopped the giant-killing run of Wong Chun Ting of Hong Kong, China with a 10-12, 5-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-7, 11-8 victory.

Wong pulled off an upset on Saturday when he defeated world No. 3 Xu Xin in seven games.

"It was the first time for me to face Ma Long after he became a Grand Slam winner. I wish to learn something from the new Olympic gold medallist," said Fan. Endit