Chinese Wang Liqin, Ma Lin Crashed out of ITTF Men's World Cup

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, November 02, 2002

Chinese Wang Liqin, Ma Lin Crashed out of ITTF Men's World Cup

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In a showdown between the world number one and the top European, Wang Liqin of China was humiliated by Timo Boll of Germany, while Ma Lin lost to Croatia'sZoran Primorac in the quarterfinal matches in the 2002 ITTF Men's World Cup table tennis tournament on Saturday in Jinan, Shandong Province.

Wang appeared out of pace against the left-handed European titlist Boll, losing 0-4 (11-9, 11-5, 11-4, 11-6) with many unforced errors.

"I played very aggressively and produced many risky balls todayas it is the only way to beat Wang," said Boll. ranked third in the world.

"I was lucky that I hit the risky balls which gave Wang a lot of pressure in front of a home crowd.

"Wang had too many unforced errors while I didn't make easy mistakes. This is the best match I've ever played," said the 21-year-old.

Wang said: "I was surprised that Boll controlled the table fromthe very beginning. He was more aggressive than ever before."

Ma Lin, the world number two ranked Chinese, also met troubles against the two-time World Cup winner Primorac, fading to the 33-year-old 4-2 (11-9, 6-11, 11-8, 11-8, 10-12, 11-9).

Only a few days ago in the Dutch Open, Ma trounced Primorac 4-0in the last eight.

"It is the first time that I beat Ma," said Primorac. "I'm not prepared for the victory as Ma just cruised past me in the Netherlands. I had many luck shots today. I am happy that I showedmy full strength."

China's Olympic champion Kong, who survived a 4-3 battle against South Korea's veteran Kim Teak-soo, took a 2-0 lead over South Korean Oh Sang-eun but allowed him to level 2-2.

Kong did not let the chance slip away by edging Oh 12-10, 14-12in the last two games.

In the semi-finals to be held late this afternoon, Kong will meet Austria's Werner Shalger who rallied from three games down tobeat Chinese Taipei's Chiang Peng-Lung 4-3 (6-11, 9-11, 7-11, 11-8,11-7, 11-6, 11-6).

Boll will face Primorac in the other semifinal.

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