Table tennis legend Ma Long has proven to be far from a fading star despite moving from the field to the stands in Paris.
After world number one Wang Qiuqin suffered a shocking loss in the 32nd round of the men's singles on Wednesday, Chinese social media has been abuzz with calls for reigning champion Ma 9-dan to return and protect his country's honor. .
Ma, who was named the flag bearer for the Chinese delegation at the opening ceremony in Paris, was excluded from the Paris singles roster as Wang and Fan were ranked in the top two.
However, with China losing its chance to dominate the gold and silver medals in men's singles, people have expressed concern and disappointment over the lack of competitiveness of the country's younger generation.
Ma Long (center) sits in the audience watching the mixed table tennis doubles gold medal match held in Paris. Photo: AFP
Representing China in the men's singles in the French capital were 24-year-old Wang, who won gold in the mixed doubles with Sun Yingsha, and 27-year-old Fan Zhendong, who is ranked No. 4 in the world.
Hwang defeated Japan's Tomokazu Harimoto 4-3 in a grueling quarter-final on Thursday, then defeated world No. 5 Felix Leblanc of France in straight sets to advance to Sunday's gold medal match.
