As expected, Belgium was no match for the Swedish men’s table tennis when the WC’s Round of 16 was played in China.
Sweden comfortably won 3-0 and now the quarter-finals await – where there will be strong opposition.
– I am so happy. There are no certain matches and it’s the strength of being able to win 3-0, says national team captain Jürgen Persson to TT after his team advanced to the quarter-finals in Chengdu.
Initially it was world number four Trols Morigaard, who had an unexpectedly tough time against 96th seed Martin Allegro. As expected, the Swede took the first set but then lost twice in a row and the pressure was being felt.
Then the world star rose, tied 2-2 with a landslide victory 11-3 set, after which he was able to determine the match in the final set.
– He pressed me in the back. It was a tough and great match for the team to be able to take the initiative, says Trols Morigarde.
Three tough games.
Matthias Falk lost the first set against Cedric Neutink but then won three in a row and wrote the winning numbers to 3-1.
– It was an even match. He had a strong transmission. I was fortunate to come back and win fourth place, says Matthias Falk.
It was easier for Anton Kahlberg, who was ahead of Adrian Rasenfuss and won 3-0.
I’m glad my teammates put me in a good position to be able to make a decision. Belgium played well and it was three tough matches. Anton Kahlberg says it’s great to be in the quarter-finals.
Strong opposition awaits
Thus, Sweden is ready to go into the quarter-finals, where it awaits the strongest possible opposition. Sweden will face the winner of the China-India match, to be decided later in the day, as everything points to the preferred host nation’s progress.
– It’s a big challenge. We have a good team and it’s always special to play China. After all, we are two major forces in ping-pong, says Jürgen Persson.