Truls Möregårdh faces the toughest possible opposition in the Olympic table tennis.
But JO Waldner has not been satisfied with how the Swede handled the meeting with the world number one in the past.
– Then he was a little angry, says Möregårdh about the conversation from the icon.
Truls Möregårdh made it, as expected, from the first round in the Olympic table tennis. But then came the nightmare message. The Swede received the absolute nit lottery in the draw and now faces world number one Wang Chuqin. Möregårdh was immediately clear that it was a touch on a devastatingly tough lot, and the merits speak for themselves.
Waldner’s words
Wang Chuqin is only 24 years old but has already managed to win seven(!) WC gold. He has also had time to face Truls Möregårdh eight times, and there have been eight blue-and-yellow losses. The fact is that Möregårdh has only won four sets against the Chinese, and it is therefore a real favorite for Chuqin ahead of Wednesday’s meeting.
But one who believes, and thinks, that Möregårdh should have a chance against world number one is JO Waldner. A few days ago, the Swedish legend was on SVT’s Olympic program and showed how Möregårdh should serve and act in order to get Chuqin off balance in the best way. Truls Möregårdh heard what Waldner said, and agreed with every word.
– It is absolutely a good analysis. If there’s anyone I should listen to, it’s him, says Möregårdh to Expressen.
“Then he was a little angry”
And it is not the first time Möregårdh has received tips from Waldner, who broke the Chinese dominance during the 80s and 90s. Truls now reveals that Waldner contacted him after one of all losses against the world number one – and he was not happy.
– He called me once after I had met Chuqin and didn’t understand how I could cod so easily against him every time. Then he was a little angry, says Möregårdh, and continues:
– Then he told me what I should do and then that was exactly what he is talking about in the clip. I have to get rid of Chuqin’s aggressive flip and serves like that are a way to do that.
Truls Möregårdh has had to wait for the meeting for a whole four days, when Chuqin has played a mixed doubles tournament. Möregårdh is the only Swede left in the singles tournament, and despite the nightmare slot, he is looking forward to the meeting.
– The wait has been far too long. I’m not used to it at all. Now it almost feels like you’ve arrived at the semi-finals, as long as you’ve been waiting. It will be a lot of fun to finally drive, he says.
The match is now played on Wednesday morning, starting at 10 o’clock.
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