Daniel Kelack  

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Fan Zhendong Claims Dramatic Olympic Table Tennis Gold

China's Fan Zhendong clinched the Olympic men's table tennis title, defeating Sweden's Truls Moregard 4-1 in a keenly contested final at the Paris South Arena. Despite losing the opening set, the world number four prevailed 7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8, 11-8 to succeed legendary compatriot Ma Long as the Olympic champion. Moregard, ranked 26th, had earlier caused an upset by knocking out China's Wang Chuqin in the round of 16 and Hugo Calderano in the semifinals. However, the 27-year-old Fan showcased his class, weathering the challenge to secure China's fifth consecutive Olympic men's singles gold.
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