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A brilliant showcase of table tennis was rounded off by a master class display by the passionate pocket rocket from Greece, Kalinikos Kreanga. His dynamic game proved too strong for the rest of the field despite the resilient and controlled efforts of his final opponent Chen Weixing. |
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Kalinikos Kreanga v Jan-Ove Waldner
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Darius Knight v Kalinikos Kreanga
4-11, 9-11, 2-11 (Quarter-Final)
Kreanga commenced his road to victory with an emphatic win against England no.3 and local hero Darius Knight. Knight looked out of his depth as the diminutive Greek international delivered his ferocious attacking game to perfection. For Knight this was a swift lesson in the lime light and perhaps a reality check of just how far he has to travel to be able to compete, entertain and deliver in the harsh world of senior international table tennis. However, at just 18 Knight did appear remarkably relaxed as the 4,000 spectators willed him on as he demonstrated glimpses of brilliance. Let’s hope he can continue to fine tune these skills on his path to 2012 success.
Jan-Ove Waldner v Kalinikos Kreanga
11-13, 8-11, 7-11 (Semi-Final)
Kreanga then went on to face one of the all time greats of table tennis, Jan-Ove Waldner. In as a late replacement for Timo Boll (injured), Waldner looked a shadow of his former self as neither his world-renowned service or versatile forehand loop could halt the progress of the relentless Kreanga who stepped up time and time again with vicious and unstoppable topspins from both sides of the table, and progressed to the final with relative ease.
Paul Drinkhall v Chen Weixing
10-12, 9-11, 5-11 (Quarter-Final)
On the other side of the draw Chen Weixing started against England no. 1 Paul Drinkhall who is undoubtedly the most exciting prospect English table tennis has seen for many years. He announced his presence on the world table tennis scene at just 16 by taking the reigning Olympic Champion, Ryu Seung Min, to three match points until finally losing out in the seventh 6-11,7-11,11-9,11-7,4-11,11-9,13-11, so he is no stranger to pressure situations. With the home crowd firmly behind Drinkhall the Royal Albert Hall buzzed in anticipation of a possible shock. The game had excitement and drama combined with some astonishing footwork and dazzling shots. However, Weixing’s brilliant interpretation of defensive play proved too tricky for the young Englishman (this time) who bowed out in front of a suitably impressed crowd. |
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Jean Michel Saive v Chen Weixing
11-7, 7-11, 3-11, 5-11 (Semi-Final)
Weixing then embarked on what was, for many, the highlight of the evening - a match against former world no.1, and real crowd pleaser, Jean Michel Saive. This match had everything, including barrier jumping, as the classic table tennis defence verses attack scenario unfolded in front of delighted onlookers. Saive, a past master at winning over the crowd, displayed not only impeccable timing with his shots, but humour to boot. He shared in the audience’s amazement as he glanced over his shoulder and gazed at the slow motion replays of himself before commencing with the next point. Weixing clearly enjoyed the banter but keep one eye squarely on the final finishing off the fourth game 5-11. As Saive left the court the crowd showed their appreciation with a standing ovation as calls for an encore resonated around the famous auditorium.
Chen Weixing v Kalinikos Kreanga
8-11, 11-9, 10-12, 11-5, 6-11 (Final)
The final was strictly business and went to the wire. A focused audience looked astonished by the consistency and lightening reactions on display. In the end Kreanga’s power proved too dominant as Weixing tired in the fifth. An emotional Kreanga spoke after about his affinity with the English public and desire to return. Let’s hope he can, and let’s hope that this is the beginning to more top class international table tennis visiting these shores, there is certainly an appetite for it.
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Chen Weixing |
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Celebrity
In addition to the fantastic table tennis, there was also a celebrity challenge. The celebs Glenn Hoddle, John Barnes, Jason Harper and Jonathan Edwards warmed up with a multi ball session and some words of advice by top coach Grant Solder. They then played a doubles match in which Hoddle and Barnes somehow managed to win 12-10. |
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Glenn Hoddle & John Barnes play doubles
against Jonathan Edwards &
Jason Harper |
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