Watch the match ball and the celebration in the player above.
It initially looked bleak for Sweden. First, Kristian Karlsson and Anton Källberg fell against Shunsuke Togami and Hiroto Shinozuka with 1–3 in the set (11–8, 9–11, 4–11, 7–11) in the doubles.
Then it was the turn of newly minted world number one and Olympic silver medalist Truls Möregårdh against world number nine Tomakazu Harimoto. There was also a loss when the Japanese won 3–1 (13–11, 9–11, 11–5, 12–10) in the set.
Strong Swedish pickup
A substantial uphill climb for the Swedish part, then, and all the pressure was now on Kristian Karlsson in the third match against Shunsuke Togami. A loss there and Sweden would then be eliminated. But 61-ranked Karlsson surprised against 16-ranked Togami and took home the match 3–1 in sets (7–11, 11–9, 11–9, 11–5).
Truls Möregårdh thus had a chance for revenge – this time against Hiroto Shinozuka. There, the 22-year-old showed his best side and won 3–1 in the set (11–5, 11–6, 5–11, 12–10).
Absolutely decisive match
Thus, a decisive match between Anton Källberg and Tomakazu Harimoto awaited. It was 4-4 in previous meetings and it was an incredibly even story. Harimoto won the first two sets 11–5 – then Källberg switched gears.
The Swede showed mental strength when he first reduced to 2–1 in the set (11–7) and then equalized to 2–2 (11–7). Now a completely decisive set remained, where a final place was at stake. Anton Källberg won it 11–9 after a gut-wrenching battle, and Sweden is thus ready for the Olympic final.
– I had such support with me the whole time, there was no time to stop trying. Just keep going and yes, it went as it went, says Källberg and continues:
– This is where you live and train every damn day. It’s so damn fun.
Waiting there are either China or France (who will meet in the semi-finals tomorrow at 10.00). The final starts on Friday at 15.00.