Li wins world title, completes grand slam

China player beats compatriot Liu in World Table Tennis Championship.

PARIS: China’s Li Xiaoxia claimed her maiden world championship title in Paris to complete a career grand slam after defeating compatriot Liu Shiwen in an enthralling final.

Runner-up to Ding Ning in 2011 and four years earlier to Guo Yue, Li went one step further in the French capital with an 11-8, 4-11, 11-7, 12-10, 6-11, 13-11 victory at the Bercy Arena.

Liu appeared set to extend the match to a deciding game after saving two match points in the sixth game but Li would not be deterred, clinching the title at the third time of asking as Liu fired long.

The triumph saw Li achieve a table tennis grand slam with the world championship crown adding to the World Cup she won in 2008 and the Olympic title she picked up last August in London.

“I won because of my really strong fighting spirit,” said the 25-year-old Li. “Thanks to it I can control myself and calm down as well as play stronger when I need to. I learned a lot from the London experience,” she added, referring to her win over top-ranked Ding Ning in the 2012 Olympic final.

Li also paid special tribute to her coach Li Sun, saying, “He gave me a lot of confidence, not just technically but also mentally. I really appreciate his help.”

Liu, who was playing in her first final at the event after two previous semi-final appearances, was philosophical in defeat.

“I think generally I played quite well,” said Liu. “I want to congratulate Li Xiaoxia. She played better than me in several sets and I will continue to try and improve.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2013.