– I am super happy with it. I played very well, says Möregårdh to Aftonbladet.
After two rather tough sets, 19-seeded Möregårdh played out in the fourth set and shouted his joy in the hall after deciding on his first match point.
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In Tokyo three years ago, Möregårdh was defeated and tied the knot by taking home a WC silver a couple of months later and getting his big breakthrough. Now the Eslövs player had to make his long-awaited Olympic debut.
The fast Möregårdh was the more aggressive player and took the initiative and also had good rebounds. The whole hall cheered when Möregårdh angled an unstoppable backhand into the far corner of the table for 9-9 in the second set. Möregårdh overturned a three-point deficit and was really pumped after the set win.
Probably the Chinese world number one in the next match
The Belgian took a timeout at 5-6 down in the third set but Möregårdh did not let up on the pressure and won this set too 11-9 after finishing with a pair of strong backhands. Confederation captain Jörgen Persson applauded from his coaching seat.
In the second round, the Chinese world number one Wang Chuqin, who will enter the singles tomorrow morning, will probably await. He played mixed doubles during the day.
Aftonbladet: Do you think Wang Chuqin notices that you won 4-0?
– Certainly not on the numbers. I do not think so. But if he saw me play, he’ll see that I’m in great shape. I hope that might scare him a little.
Wang Chuqin is 5-0 in head-to-head meetings and 17-2 in the number of sets won.