Excitement filled the air at China Smash 2024 Presented by Zhonghui Life in Beijing, where thrilling matches unfolded in the Men's Singles competition. Notably, Anders Lind made headlines by staging a remarkable comeback against Kao Cheng-Jui. After trailing 0-2, Lind rallied to win the match 3-2, securing his spot in the quarterfinals with set scores of 10-12, 6-11, 11-9, 11-6, and 11-5.
Lind, who previously stunned the crowd by eliminating World No. 1 Wang Chuqin in the round of 32, faced intense pressure from local fans supporting Kao. However, Lind's determination and unique style of play shone through as he regrouped and advanced.
Reflecting on his victory, he expressed pride and gratitude, crediting his coach for encouraging him to push through the challenging moments and regain confidence after winning the third set.
In a light-hearted moment after the match, Lind humorously kissed his shoe, revealing that he had to adapt to unfamiliar footwear. After losing his table tennis shoes, he played the first two sets in a friend's old pair before switching to running shoes.
Despite the discomfort in his feet, he celebrated his victory, ready to face Lin Shidong next. Lin is currently on a 13-match winning streak, having narrowly defeated Anton Kallberg in a full-distance match.
The round of 16 also featured impressive performances from Truls Moregard and Hugo Calderano, both of whom saved match points to secure their victories. Moregard edged out Tomokazu Harimoto in a thrilling 3-2 match that showcased strategic play and impressive shot-making.
Meanwhile, Calderano demonstrated resilience by saving three match points against Darko Jorgic, ultimately winning 3-2 with a dominant final set. As he prepares for his next challenge, Calderano is set to face the winner of the match between Lee Sang Su and Ma Long in the quarterfinals.
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