Table Tennis: China twin gold in men's doubles, France take bronze

Ma Long made history on Friday by earning his sixth Olympic gold medal in the men’s team event at the Paris 2024 Games, further cementing his legacy as the greatest table tennis player of all time.

The 35-year-old was instrumental in China’s 3-0 victory over Sweden, bringing the team closer to a clean sweep in the French capital. Although the final score suggests a dominant performance, the matches were more competitive than they appeared.

With this victory, Ma surpassed divers Wu Minxia and Chen Ruolin, as well as gymnast Zou Kai, to become the Chinese athlete with the most Olympic gold medals in history.

In addition to his record-breaking Olympic achievements, Ma has also claimed an incredible 14 world titles and served as China’s male flag-bearer during the opening ceremony. Despite his remarkable career, China made the controversial decision to exclude Ma from the singles event in Paris, denying him the chance to win a third consecutive gold in that category. Fan Zhendong took gold in his place.

In the first match of the final, Ma teamed up with Wang Chuqin, who had earlier suffered a broken bat due to an overly enthusiastic photographer. The Chinese pair quickly built a 6-1 lead in the opening game, but Anton Kallberg and Kristian Karlsson rallied to win the game 11-8.

China secured gold in the men's team table tennis final. GETTY IMAGES
China secured gold in the men's team table tennis final. GETTY IMAGES

The South Paris Arena was packed to capacity, with the majority of the crowd fervently supporting China, many dressed in the country’s signature red. The fans urged Ma and Wang to victory in the next game, but the closely contested match went to a deciding fifth game. Appropriately, Ma delivered the winning point with a powerful forehand down the middle, giving China a 1-0 lead in the final and setting them on the path to another gold medal.

It remains uncertain how much longer Ma will continue to compete. After winning team gold at last year’s Asian Games on home soil, he hinted that "this could well be my last edition of the Asian Games."

China, the undisputed powerhouse of table tennis, has now claimed gold in mixed doubles, women’s singles, men’s singles, and men’s team events in Paris. The final event, the women’s team competition, will see China face Japan on Saturday.

Since table tennis became an Olympic sport in 1988, China has won 32 of the 37 available gold medals. The only other countries to have claimed gold are South Korea (three), and Japan and Sweden (one each).





Hosts shine bright with bronze win

In the men’s bronze medal match, France secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Japan, clinching the bronze medal in a contest filled with high tension and skillful play. The match was a thrilling rollercoaster, with the final outcome hanging in the balance until the very last point.

The competition began with France taking an early 2-0 lead. Felix Lebrun and Simon Gauzy set the tone by defeating Japan’s Shunsuke Togami and Hiroto Shinozuka in their doubles match, showcasing impressive teamwork and tactical prowess. France's dominance seemed evident, but Japan was not to be outdone. The Japanese team mounted a formidable comeback, beginning with Togami’s 3-1 victory over Alexis Lebrun. Togami’s performance was marked by strong defensive play and strategic counter-attacks, which re-energised the Japanese squad and kept their hopes alive.

France claimed bronze in the men's doubles table tennis. GETTY IMAGES
France claimed bronze in the men's doubles table tennis. GETTY IMAGES

The stage was set for a dramatic finish when Tomokazu Harimoto, known for his tenacity, squared off against Simon Gauzy. In a fiercely contested fourth game, Harimoto edged out Gauzy with a 14-12 win, forcing the match into a decisive fifth encounter. The tension reached its peak as the two teams entered the final round with everything to play for.

The decider was a gripping affair, with the momentum swinging back and forth. Felix Lebrun, under immense pressure, fell behind 6-10 against Shinozuka. In a display of extraordinary resilience and mental fortitude, Lebrun staged a remarkable comeback. He scored six consecutive points to win the game 12-10, securing the bronze medal for France. This dramatic turnaround was a testament to Lebrun’s ability to perform under pressure and highlighted the French team's strategic depth and determination.

France’s victory not only earned them the bronze but also underscored their exceptional teamwork and skill throughout the tournament. The match was a compelling showcase of table tennis at its finest, with both teams demonstrating their strengths and fighting spirit. France's ability to maintain composure and execute under pressure ultimately led them to a well-deserved spot on the Olympic podium, marking a significant achievement in their Olympic campaign.