PANAJI
Taking down the World No. 1, after being two sets down, an unheralded Cho Daeseong from the Republic of Korea created the biggest upset of the WTT Star Contender Goa 2023 at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao on Thursday.
There was a vocal attendance for the late morning Men's Singles game on Table 2 with all eyes on Chinese paddler and numero uno, Fan Zhendong expected to make short work of the ITTF 193-ranked Korean opponent.
Two games up, Zhendong would have fancied himself sailing through to the Round of 16, after receiving a bye in the initial round. But the level of competence in Table Tennis throws up unexpected surprises, and this showcase event was no less of a spectacle of the biggest upset yet. Cho Daeseong pulled back to level at 2-2, and the momentum stayed with him as the match stretched to a decisive fifth game. Leading 8-1 in the all-important game, it appeared the Korean would close the outcome in his favour shortly, but Zhendong served more than just a reminder of why he is the best in the business and fought valiantly to the end.
Speaking with the media after the heist, 20-year-old Cho D was visibly very pleased but was aware this was just the beginning, and he had only just won the battle but not the war. "It is the biggest win of my career and I am very happy," Cho D gushed. But he acknowledged that the biggest victory of his career yet came with a little bit of extra effort in the end. "With an 8-1 lead in the final set, my mindset was I might win the match, but the strong player that Zhendongis is, he fought back to bring down the lead to match point, in my favour at 10-5, and then at 10-8 that had me on the edge, not as confident of a win," Cho D was honest to admit.
Pleased to be playing in India for the first time at WTT Goa, Cho D is not one to rest on his laurels and celebrate just yet. "This is a world-level tournament, and my immediate aim is to try and win the next game. It is another examination tomorrow and hence I will not celebrate," the level-headed Korean paddler affirmed.
