Sweden showed they still have a few surprises up their sleeve. In one of the standout moments of the Championships in London, the men’s team pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory over China in Group 1, shaking the long-standing dominance of the reigning giants in the team event.
At the ITTF World Team Championships Finals, where China have ruled for decades, this defeat sends a strong message: the gap is closing.
The tie opened with China taking control. WANG Chuqin proved too strong for Anton KALLBERG, sealing a confident 3-0 win and giving the favourites an early lead. But Sweden responded immediately.
Elias RANEFUR delivered one of the standout performances of the match, overturning LIN Shidong in a five-set battle to level the score at 1-1.
Then came the turning point. Truls MOREGARD edged LIANG Jingkun in another dramatic five-set encounter, saving the decider 12-10 to put Sweden ahead 2-1.
China were not done yet. WANG Chuqin returned to the table and beat RANEFUR in straight games, tying the match at 2-2 and setting up a decisive fifth clash.
And that is where Sweden finished the job. Anton KALLBERG stepped up under pressure, defeating LIN Shidong 3-1 to seal a historic 3-2 victory.
This win is not just another group-stage result – it could reshape the entire competition.
China entered London as overwhelming favourites, having not beaten at the World Championships for 26 years, including a long streak of titles in the team event.
China – Sweden 2-3
- WANG Chuqin – Anton KALLBERG 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-6)
- LIN Shidong – Elias RANEFUR 2-3 (9-11, 6-11, 11-3, 11-6, 9-11)
- LIANG Jingkun – Truls MOREGARD 2-3 (7-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-3, 10-12)
- WANG Chuqin – Elias RANEFUR 3-0 (12-10, 11-6, 11-4)
- LIN Shidong – Anton KALLBERG 1-3 (10-12, 12-10, 8-11, 8-11)