Paul Drankhall met his match in round two of the Mens Singles when he was beaten by the consistent and silky-smooth Chen Qi (China), the World no. nine. 

Chen Qi only took his place in the Tournament when World no. one Wang Hao dropped out and he looked determined throughout.  Paul matched his opponent at times although he had no answer to what was arguably the “shot of the tournament” which rounded the net and skimmed off the table unplayably.  Paul’s best chance of taking a game was undoubtedly in the third end when he fought back strongly to level at 10-10, but to no avail. A determined-looking Chen Qi eventually triumphed  11-3, 11-5, 12-10, 11-6.

Image: Paul Drinkhall, courtesy tabletennisphotos.com

By Steve Kerns