ARTS / CULTURE & LEISURE
Star Fan Zhendong secures gold, completes ‘Super Grand Slam’
Published: Aug 04, 2024 10:53 PM

Fan Zhendong Photo: VCG

Fan Zhendong Photo: VCG


China's paddler Fan Zhendong defeated Sweden's Truls Moregard 4-1 to win the gold medal in men's singles table tennis at the Paris Olympics on Sunday.

The victory marks China's 17th gold medal at the Games and Fan becomes the 11th player in the history of world table tennis to achieve a Grand Slam.

Moregard defeated China's Wang Chuqin, top-seeded in the men's singles table tennis at Paris 2024, to reach the last 16.

Although Fan lost the first game 7-11, he quickly adjusted his performance and won the second game 11-9. He then won the next three games to secure a 4-1 victory.

"The result is the most important; just focus on doing your best and striving for victory," Fan, 27, said after his win.

In 2013, Fan participated in his first World Table Tennis Championships in Paris. In 2018, he won his second World Cup men's singles title in Paris.

At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Fan defended his half of the draw but fell short against reigning champion Ma Long in the final.

In Paris, Fan not only achieved a Grand Slam but also became the second table tennis player, after Ma Long, to complete the "Super Grand Slam," encompassing titles from the Olympics, World Championships, World Cup and Asian Games.

"I won't let the Grand Slam become a burden," Fan said. "What I need to focus on is how to win and showcase my true strength and best form on the stage in Paris, rather than achieving something through just one championship."

Earlier on Sunday, host favorite Felix Lebrun claimed the bronze medal after beating Hugo Calderano of Brazil 4-0.