Grand Slam winner Ma Long from China beat compatriot Fan Zhendong to win a record-extending sixth ITTF Finals men's singles title here on Sunday.
Ma Long of China celebrates after winning the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
Ma Long (L) of China greets his compatriot Fan Zhendong after the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
Ma was also the winner of the year-end competition in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2016.
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Grand Slam winner Ma Long from China beat compatriot Fan Zhendong to win a record-extending sixth ITTF Finals men's singles title here on Sunday.
Ma Long (L) of China greets his compatriot Fan Zhendong after the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
Ma was also the winner of the year-end competition in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2016.
Ma Long of China returns the ball during the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
It was the third straight encounter in the final between the Chinese duo in just over a month, after the National Championships and the World Cup, where Fan both came out as the winner after seven-game thrillers.
It was clear that Ma didn't want to repeat his recent inferior head-to-head record to Fan. The Chinese men's team captain met strong resistance early on but soon hit good form and pocketed the first two games at 13-11 and 11-7.
Fan Zhendong of China returns the ball during the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
Fan began to come back into contention by adjusting his strategy, turning a 4-8 deficit into a 10-8 advantage. However, Ma saved two game points before winning 12-10, leaving little room for Fan's rally.
Fan went ahead 9-6 in the fourth game and held two game points again at 10-8. This time, the world No. 1 paddler didn't waste them, pulling one game back with 11-9.
Ma didn't concede his superiority from there, converting his second match point at 11-8 after Fan had a backhand return into the net.
Fan Zhendong of China returns the ball during the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
"The record is used to be broken, and I'm honored and lucky that one is me," said Ma. "It is a well deserved and special championship for me."
Ma Long of China competes during the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
Ma Long of China returns the ball during the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
It was the third straight encounter in the final between the Chinese duo in just over a month, after the National Championships and the World Cup, where Fan both came out as the winner after seven-game thrillers.
Fan Zhendong of China returns the ball during the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
It was clear that Ma didn't want to repeat his recent inferior head-to-head record to Fan. The Chinese men's team captain met strong resistance early on but soon hit good form and pocketed the first two games at 13-11 and 11-7.
Ma Long of China celebrates for scoring during the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
Fan Zhendong of China returns the ball during the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
Fan began to come back into contention by adjusting his strategy, turning a 4-8 deficit into a 10-8 advantage. However, Ma saved two game points before winning 12-10, leaving little room for Fan's rally.
Ma Long of China reacts after winning the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
Fan went ahead 9-6 in the fourth game and held two game points again at 10-8. This time, the world No. 1 paddler didn't waste them, pulling one game back with 11-9.
Ma Long of China serves during the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
Ma didn't concede his superiority from there, converting his second match point at 11-8 after Fan had a backhand return into the net.
Ma Long of China returns the ball during the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
Fan Zhendong of China returns the ball during the men's singles final match between Ma Long of China and his compatriot Fan Zhendong at 2020 ITTF finals in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Nov. 22, 2020.
"The process was not as the result reflected," admitted Ma. "The score was not so close as that at the World Cup, as we restrained each other quite well. I had better control over some crucial points today."