Sathiyan wins epic!

Well that certainly was a ride! Sathiyan Gnanasekaran has come back from 0-2 down to win 4-3 (11-13, 9-11, 11-8, 14-12, 7-11, 11-5, 11-8) against Simon Gauzy in a magnificent start to the Men’s World Cup group stages!

In this 1 hour 4 minute epic, Gnanasekaran has certainly shown his immense quality at the table and the grit he has to do what he’s done. Gauzy looked like he was in control early on but the consistent backhand block and return shots from Gnanasekaran have turned this match on its head. More of this, please!

Sangsu secures victory as Sathiyan takes it to a decider

Lee Sangsu managed to wrap up his match with Omar Assar in the fifth game (14-12, 11-9, 11-4, 13-15, 11-6) after the Egyptian gave him a tough battle when he won the fourth game 15-13. It was to be in vain and he will now need to win his next match to have any hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

Frenchman Simon Gauzy and Indian Sathiyan Gnanasekaran are headed to a deciding seventh game after both athletes won another game each in a thrilling early contest here at the Sichuan Gymnasium. Who will get the win?

Sathiyan gets one back – and then another!

Well now things are getting very interesting over at table 2, with Gnanasekaran having levelled up the score to 2-2 after winning two games back to back against Gauzy. The Indian athlete has certainly risen to the occasion here, but can he find the victory?

Over at the other end, Lee Sangsu has a 3-0 (14-12, 11-9, 11-4) lead over Omar Assar with less and less chance for the Egpytian to make a return – unless he can channel Gnanasekaran’s spirit!

Strong starts for Sangsu & Simon

Korea Republic’s Lee Sangsu has taken an early lead in his match against Egypt’s Omar Assar here in Chengdu, on the first day of action. The 10th seed has started well with good shots deep off the table, making life difficult for Assar (14-12).

Meanwhile, Frenchman Simon Gauzy is in total control of his match versus India’s Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, leading by 2-0 (13-11, 11-9) in under 20 minutes. Is there any chance for Gnanasekaran to make a comeback?

Who makes it past the group stages?