German Open: Zhang Jike Proves Unbeatable

Sunday, February 27, 2011

ITTF Press Release

Zhang Jike Proves Unbeatable

China’s 23 year old Zhang Jike, won the Men's Singles title at the German Open in Dortmund on Sunday 27th February 2011 overcoming the host nation's Timo Boll in the final.

Seeded no.3, Zhang Jike beat Timo Boll, the no.1 seed, in four straight games.

Zhang Jike won 11-9, 11-5, 11-6, 11-5.

It was Zhang Jike's fourth ITTF Pro Tour title of the year but his first Men's Singles title. In Slovenia he captured Men's Doubles gold with Wang Hao, in England with Xu Xin and in the United Arab Emirates in partnership with Ma Lin.

Furthermore, at the Qatar Open he finished in runners up spot with Ma Lin.

However, in Men's Singles events, the news has not be as good; creditable performances but no final appearance.

In Slovenia he was beaten in the final by the eventual winner, Xu Xin before in England being on the wrong end of the shock result of the tournament.

He was beaten in the second round by the Czech Republic's Tomas Konecny.

To reach the final Timo Boll defeated Ma Lin in a tight and entertaining match.

Zhang Jike had to overcome the formidable Wang Hao.

Guo Yan Triumphs

It was the first ITTF Pro Tour Women's Singles title of the year for Guo Yan and, including Grand Finals, the seventh of her career.

Furthermore, it was her second victory over Li Xiaoxia in consecutive tournaments; the previous week in Dubai, she had beaten Li Xiaoxia in a close seven game duel in their semi-final.

In Dubai, Guo Yan was to lose in the final to colleague Ding Ning who was not present on Dortmund; furthermore, Guo Yan was no doubt pleased Ding Ning was not present at the German Open.

At the English Open, Qatar Open and United Arab Emirates Open; her three appearances on the ITTF Pro Tour prior to the German Open, she had lost to 20 year old Ding Ning.

Equally, Li Xiaoxia who has been present in every ITTF Pro Tour tournament in 2011 but has not secured a Women's Singles title, has also experienced problems with Ding Ning.

However for Guo Yan it was good news in Dortmund and it was "Lucky 13".

It was the 13th time she had faced Li Xiaoxia in world ranking events and the advantage is now with Guo Yan; she has now won seven of those meetings.

To reach the final Guo Yan had to overcome the player of the tournament, Yang Ha Eun, a 17 year-old from Korea.

Li Xiaoxia defeated compatriot Guo Yue.

Men’s Doubles

The young pairing of Zang Jike and Hao Shuai defeated the vastly expeinced Ma Lion and Wang Hao in an all Chinese final.

11-5, 12-11, 12-14, 11-4, 12-10.

Women’s Doubles

Reigning World champions, Guo Yue and Li Xiaoxia won the Women's Doubles, to add to their collection of titles.

At the final hurdle they overcame Singapore's Sun Beibei and Wang Yuegu in five games, recovering from an opening game deficit to secure victory.

Guo Yue and Li Xiaoxia won 9-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-5, 11-4.

Read more:
http://www.ittf.com/_front_page/ittf_full_story1.asp?ID=23478

Match highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah0yVnLGFFw

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German Open: Zhang Jike Proves Unbeatable

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