The top four world singles players meet later this afternoon – in the doubles.  Ma Long and Wang Hao are ranked 1 and 2 while Ma Lin and Zhang Jike are 3 and 5.  Spoiling the perfect sequence is German No 1 Timo Boll who didn’t make the ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals.

For the fans this doubles match promises to be the ultimate in table tennis.  It’s a clash of the titans and it will all kick off tonight.

Crowd favourite Ma Lin and world champion Zhang Jike, the pair who put out GB favourites Baggaley and Pitchford in early rounds, are favourites but the the difference between them and second seeds Ma Long, the world No 1 and Wang Hao, at No 2, is marginal.

The penholder grip of Ma Lin and the most Western grip that Zhang Jike uses is a winning combination.  It won the all-Chinese men’s doubles final last August after a seven game marathon.  And you’ve guessed it, their opponents were Ma Long and Wang Hao! Stand by for a real classic encounter.

Lots to look forward too tonight with this exciting mens’ doubles final starting at 6pm