FINAL FOUR SET FOR WORLD PING PONG MASTERS

By May Bird Take Wu/Matchroom Multi Sport

Four-time World Champion Andrew Baggaley is through to the semi-finals of the World Ping Pong Masters, where He will meet Gavin Rumgay at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, live on Sky Sports Mix.

Baggaley defeated Sabine Winter 15-5, 15-5, 15-9 to reach the last four, where he will face Rumgay after the Scot beat Germany’s Genia Milchin 3-1 in his quarter-final.

The second semi-final will see England’s Chris Doran face Germany’s Alexander ‘The Flash’ Flemming. Doran defeated Benjamin Sorensen in straight sets to reach the last four, before Flemming and Spain’s Marc Darn played-out a brilliant quarter-final.

Duran took the first set 15-7 but Flemming hit back with the next two to be one away from the semis. The Spaniard had more to give, however, and took the fourth 15-11 to force the decider. ‘Flash’ Flemming’s experience at this stage then came to the fore, and the three-time World finalist took the decider 15-7.

“I didn’t make too many mistakes in the first set but Marc was incredible, he started like a machine,” said Flemming. “I rushed my game, had no big chances to take easy points in the first set, so I changed a bit, took off the speed, tried to move him a bit more and it worked. Marc played incredible, it was physically and mentally one of the best I have ever had.”

All players, staff and officials Players, officials and staff were tested on arrival at the event. All those tested remained in isolation until the results were confirmed. Strict rules on social distancing and hygiene remain in place, in line with government guidelines. All those who were tested will now remain inside the ‘event bubble’ and will not leave until the conclusion of the event.

Players are competing under Elite Sports Person Exemptions and were met on arrival to the UK and driven directly to the venue for Covid-19 testing. All players were also tested before travelling to the UK and were only allowed to board their flights after receiving a negative test result.

QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS

Andrew Baggaley 3-0 Sabine Winter 15-5, 15-5, 15-9

Gavin Rumgay 3-1 Genia Milchin 15-10, 11-15, 15-8, 15-9

Chris Doran 3-0 Benjamin Sorensen 15-10, 15-13, 15-8

Marc Duran 2-3 Alexander Flemming 15-7, 11-15, 9-15, 15-11, 7-15