World Table Tennis Championships: Gionis fought it out, but was eliminated by world No. 1

In the second round of men’s singles at the World Table Tennis Championships in Durban, Panagiotis Gionis fought hard against China’s Fan Zhendong, the No. 1 seed and current title holder, but lost 4-1 sets.

He made a good appearance and gave all his strength, as he also feels the discomfort in his left shoulder, which naturally play their role the more demanding a match is.

Especially after 2-0 he became competitive and had the chance to take the fifth set as well, but the great Fan Zhendong found the solutions in the only closed set he won. Thus, the Greek representation at the World Championship ended, in which the federal coach, Kostas Vatsaklis, also participated.

Gionis was of course the clear outsider in the match against the huge Fan and had no reason to be pressured. In any case, throughout the years his psychology is strong against the best in the world, he was asked to do the same against the Chinese star, whom he faced for the first time. He showed his usual fighting spirit this time around, playing some impressive table tennis after the first few sets and can certainly be pleased with his effort.

Fan Zhendong started his journey to the World Championships Finals from “64” because he had a “bye” in the first round. He showed himself fully prepared, however, against the defensive style of play and attacks of our champion, he showed clear mind and discipline and took the victory.

* The men’s singles sixth seed, Brazil’s Hugo Calderano, was eliminated, losing 4-2 sets to Puerto Rico’s Brian Afanador (No 57).

* 2019 world runner-up Matthias Falk of Sweden was knocked out in the first round 4-1 by Hong Kong’s Lam Siu Hong (ranked No. 92).

* In the women’s singles, European singles champion Sofia Polkanova was beaten in the first round 4-3 sets by Hungary’s Dora Madaras.