China edge World stars 3-2 in pingpong challenge
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-12-16 09:51

Unlike their first team encounters 5-0 in China's favor on Tuesday, China had a narrow victory over the World Stars United 3-2 on Wednesday.

China took a 2-0 lead before Timo Boll and Werner Schlager snatched two wins to make it 2-2.

It was a sweet "revenge" for Ma Lin who stormed past all-time great Jan-Ove Swede Waldner 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-9).

The 39-year-old Waldner stunned pre meet favorite Ma in early round at the Athens Olympic Games before he finished fourth.

Ma said: "In fact, this match can't be called a revenge. It's different competition. I was in great pressure when I was in Athens."

Former Olympic champion Kong Linghui met some troubles at the beginning before he came from one game down to beat Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus 3-1 (9-11, 11-3, 11-9, 11-8).

Samsonov said: "I played better than yesterday. I had chance in the first game. Hopefully I can beat Kong next time when we meet."

Timo Boll produced the winning tide for the World Stars United as he knocked off Olympic runner Wang Hao 3-1 (11-6, 6-11, 14-12, 11-9).

Boll revealed the 0-5 team upset on Tuesday boosted his fighting spirit. "We had bad draws yesterday. But today I played better and felt good."

Wang admitted that Boll played beyond his expectation. Wang said: "He saved many balls that seemed impossible to return."

Reigning world champion Werner Schlager continued Boll's flying- ride, edging Chen Qi 3-2 (12-10, 5-11, 8-11, 11-7, 13-11).

Schalger waved his hands to the crowd and said: "I'm glad that it's the first time I beat Chen. I lost to him twice. It was a close game and a tough fight for techniques."

In the fifth decisive game, Olympic champion Ryu Seung Min overcame his shoulder injury but not his rival Wang Liqin, losing 3-2 (9-11, 11-7, 11-3, 5-11, 11-4).

China's men's team head coach Liu Guoliang said: "It is the real fight between us. Both of us played better than yesterday. It is good to promote the sport, not only in China, but also in the world."

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