– It’s hard, but I don’t know what to do better, just to give him all the credit, says Möregårdh to Max immediately after the match.
The match appeared to be over when Fan Zhendong went up 10–3 in the fifth set and collected seven match points. The Swede created nerves by saving five straight match points before the Chinese scored 11-8 and won on his sixth match point.
After three even opening sets with a couple of great art balls, Möregårdh lost the initiative in the fourth which Fan Zhendong won 11–8 after leading 9–4. The 3-1 deficit was too heavy for Möregårdh to overcome.
First table tennis medal in the Olympics in 24 years
At 0–3 in the fifth set, Möregårdh took a timeout to try to turn but could not stop Fan Zhendong who was in the zone – but was stopped at his seven match points. The gold was celebrated with Chinese flags.
In the stands, world number one Wang Chiqin and legend Ma Long stood next to each other to cheer for China’s fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in men’s singles.
Möregårdh’s fairytale journey in Paris included victories against world number one Wang Chiqin in the round of 16 and world number six Hugo Calderano in the semis. The Swede is ranked first in 26th place in the world.
It is Sweden’s first Olympic medal in table tennis since Jan-Ove Waldner won a silver in Sydney in 2000.
When they met in the 2021 World Cup final, Fan Zhendong won 4–0.
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Truls Möregårdhs lost the final, but won an Olympic silver. Follow SVT’s broadcast about the 22-year-old’s Olympic journey. Photo: TOLGA AKMEN
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See Truls Möregårdh’s magical stroke in the Olympic final – burst into laughter Photo: Kanal 5/Max
What an effort by Truls Möregårdh. It will be an Olympic silver in the end, but no one can complain about the entertainment and the journey.
Fan Zhendong won 4-1 in sets.
Truls Möregårdh offered several fine points. Among other things, this ball that made the crowd cheer.
See Trul’s magic ball in the player!
Right now
PeterF • Can there be a bronze in the team competition? But a lot needs to be done. After China, Japan, Korea, Germany etc. stand in the way.
1 minute
Sophie • Thanks for all the entertainment Truls and congratulations on a great performance!
1 minute
Andersson • The Frenchman Le Brun is only 17 years old!!!!
1 minute
Ingemar • Fantastic performance against an incredible opponent. Thanks for the entertainment and congratulations!
2 min
Em • Thanks for the show! Congratulations so much!
2 min
T&C • The “magic” ball in the fifth was pure entertainment of a different kind; elicited a brief smile from Zhendong.
It is worth watching both once and twice!
2 min
British • Truls won a very honorable silver medal after exciting battle duels at the highest level.
2 min
staff dune • An “artist” from Eslöv, makes a Chinese person sweat & smile. World history! The Great Wall of China is shaking… thanks Truls. You are the best!
2 min
Monk • Feat-Truls! 🎉 You have made an entire nation proud! 💐🇸🇪
3 min
Margaretha Bjerke Jaccard • Congratulations to the silver Truls🥈! What a match you gave us – entertainment at the highest level 👏👍👏! Wow!!!