PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Truls Möregårdh exceeded all expectations in the Olympics.
When he managed to reach a historic Olympic final in table tennis.
Now opponent Fan Zhendong’s words about the Swede make everyone react.
There is no doubt that China is the great dominant in table tennis. Before the Olympics in Paris, there have been all-Chinese finals in men’s singles during four consecutive Olympic tournaments.
Trul’s Olympic silver
But on Sunday, the great dominance was broken when the Swedish success man Truls Möregårdh such a feat had made it all the way to the final, as the first Swede in 24 years. The 22-year-old also managed to shake the big star Damn Zhendong by winning the first set.
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However, it was not enough to break the Chinese, who then won four straight sets and salvaged the Olympic gold in table tennis in a convincing manner. Möregårdh had to settle for an extremely well-deserved Olympic silver and the great acclaim of the Swedish people.
Zhendong’s words
After the Olympic final, Zhendong opens up about what he really thinks about his final opponent.
– Honestly speaking, competing against Möregårdh was very challenging. The first two sets he was very good in defense and in his attacks, so it took me time to get into the “groove”, says the Olympic champion to Dagens Nyheter.
– The first three sets he was nipping at my heels so it was very challenging and difficult. When I was leading, it gave me more room to breathe and stay calm. It was a fantastic match.
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After Möregårdh’s progress in the Olympics, he has become extremely popular in ping-pong-stoking China, and Fan Zhendong is now showing the greatest possible respect for young Truls.
– Today the result was that I won, but there is no loser. I hope he only gets better, says the Chinese after the final.
READ MORE: Jan-Ove Waldner’s harsh words after Truls Möregårdh’s Olympic silver – point out the opponent’s strange actions: “He made a mistake there”
The big talking point in the Olympic final was also the incredibly delicious art stroke from Truls Möregårdh who completely fooled Zhendong.
– We looked at each other and smiled, the Chinese told the daily about the spectacular score.
– I think we both really brought out our best game in the match and the duels between us were fantastic. I felt like we both enjoyed it, and hope he felt the same.
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