Deng sees off doubles partner to win gold (1995 Tianjin)

From gold-winning doubles partners to singles’ rivals for gold! What a day it has been for Deng Yaping and Chinese teammate Qiao Hong. Both women faced off in a high intensity battle in the women’s singles shortly after having won the doubles final earlier in the day. 

Deng Yaping emerged victorious in a 3-2 (14-21, 21-17, 21-17, 14-21, 21-14) win, despite having dropped the first game against the 1989 Champion Qiao Hong. The strong shots across the table by Deng kept Qiao on the backfoot, preventing her from attacking her doubles’ partner. This win meant that it was the second World Championship title for Deng, who previously recorded gold at the 1991 World Championships as well. 

Liu crushes Samsonov hopes (1995 Tianjin)

Chinese star Liu Guoliang was in an effervescent mood as he cruised to a straight games win over the upcoming Belarusian Vladimir Samsonov in the men’s singles quarter-final. 

It was truly a battle of the ‘New Generation’ athletes from Asia and Europe respectively, which the penhold specialist Liu managed to win 3-0 (21-18, 21-18, 21-18). However, it was not all about the score as Samsonov pushed his Chinese opponent all the way in each of the three games and one can be certain he will make a mark in future World Championships.

Deng and Qiao overpower top seeds in the final! (1995 Tianjin)

Deng Yaping and Qiao Hong have caused a major upset here at the women’s doubles’ final of the 1995 World Table Tennis Championships, as they defeated top seeds Liu Wei and Qiao Yunping (21-19, 21-17, 17-21, 21-19)!

Losing only the one game, Deng and Qiao were effective in their counter-attacking style of play which did not let their Chinese compatriots take control of the match. The favorites for the gold Liu and Qiao were hoping for a comeback after the third game, but found that Deng and Qiao had no plans to let that happen!