Olympic runner-up Wang Hao of China edged out Werner Schlager of Austria to make the top four of the men's singles at the ITTF Pro Tour finals in Beijing on December 11.

Top seed Wang, who ousted Kalinikos Kreanga of Greece 4-2 (9-11,9-11, 12-10, 11-4, 11-7 and 11-4) on the opening day, rallied from 1-3 down to make it to 4-3 (11-9, 8-11, 4-11, 9-11, 11-4, 11-9 and 11-6) over Schlager, well known for his fast speed.

Cheered by the audience throughout the match, Wang was satisfied with the win, saying that "Schlager is one of the best players in the world. He is a hard nut and physically stronger than me. Fortunately, I made a recovery since the third set. The

most important thing is that I won the game."

On his part, former world champion Schlager, eleven years senior, stayed calm as usual. "I am so tired and I wish I could be ten years younger. If that was true, the result might be reversed."

"I am not in my best shape after I finished my first round singles and doubles matches. I will do more physical exercise after I go back home for the World Championship and even for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing," he added.

Source: Xinhua