Victor Bolorunduro
Doha
Despite dominating the Men's event for the last five years, China's Ma Long appears not to be ready to relinquish his crown anytime soon as the 28-year-old won in Doha again for the second time in a row on Sunday.
Playing against compatriot Fan Zhendong in the final of the Men's Singles at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, also for the second year running, the Rio Olympics gold medalist eviscerated his world No. 2 opponent (11-8, 11-8, 11-7, 5-11, 6-11, 11-4) to claim the trophy as well as the $25,000 winner's prize money of the Seamaster 2017 ITTF World Tour Qatar Open.
It was a master-class from the world No.1, who is arguably the best two-winged looper in table tennis history, as he raced to a 3-0 lead in just under 45 minutes before Zhendong staged a feeble comeback to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
The sixth game was however a vintage Long in action. The right-handed player, who is first player, male or female, to win the ITTF Star Player of the Year award in consecutive years, secured the first three points before Zhendong elected for"Time Out".
Long thereafter established a 6-3 advantage which was further extended to 10-4 before going for the kill with a delectable backhand which his opponent had no answer for as he took possession of the trophy once more in Doha.
With the victory, Long is now closer to the enviable 26 ITTF World Tour Men's Singles titles record of Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus in 35 finals.
The world No. 1, who has been at the top of the rankings for 54 months now, is just three short of the lanky Belarusian with his 23 wins.
"I'm delighted with the win. This tournament is a season-opener for me and to have won today is an indication that the season will be good. My friend Fan was very good today and he gave me an initial scare with his taking of the third and fourth game. I hope to continue in this form throughout the year," Long said after his win.
Sunday's final was attended by ITTF President Thomas Weikert, QTTA President Khalil Ahmed al Mohannadi and Ambassador of China to Qatar HE Li Chen.
"We are happy to host this tournament which was for the first time organised entirely with supports from private sponsors. We are delighted that the corporate bodies are willing to partner with us as we continue to put Qatar on the global map of table tennis," Mohannadi said.
He added that the federation plansto do more both regionally and internationally for the sport as table tennis is one of the most loved global sport with over 200 member-federation of the ITTF.
In the Women's Singles, China's Chen Meng, the ninth-seed, was two time lucky as she defeated her fellow Chinese Wang Manyu (12-10, 11-9, 11-2, 2-11, 11-6) to emerge victorious.
The duo had earlier partnered in the day to win the Women's Doubles event after overcoming the top-seeded Korean combination of Jeon Jihee and Yang Haeun (11-4, 11-6, 4-11, 11-6) to claim the top prize
Fast exchanges were the order of the day throughout the match as Meng looked for the chance to execute her technically very correct top spin attacking play early in the rally.
Countering those attacks was very much the role for Manyu.
The opening two games were both on the proverbial knife's-edge, both finished in favour of Meng; her positive athletic play being rewarded.
Arguably more relaxed, the movement and balance executed was a lesson in technical perfection as Meng established an early lead at 4-1 in the third game.
Seemingly asserting her authority, it was somewhat contrary to expectations that Wang Manyu won the first eight points of the fourth game. Manyu was stable, secure and trademark consistent while Meng made errors.
After a break between games, a highly focused Meng, most deliberate when serving, as she entered the arena for the fifth game. She went ahead 4-3, Manyu called"Time Out".
Initially the break worked in favour of Meng as she reduced the speed of her play and relied on consistent topspin play with the ball travelling at a safe height over the net. She won the next two points.
The advantage was never relinquished. At 10-6, she held match point, needing just one chance. The game, match and title were all secured.
"We are teammates so we know each other very well, it was a very tough match. Especially in the first two games, I only won by a narrow margin of two points in each game. It was tedious mentally as well to take those two games. The first two games were crucial, so after winning those, it was easier for the remaining of the match," Meng said after the match.