2023 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Day 1 round up
Day 1 at the 2023 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals is in the books. Durban was put in a spin with an incredible 96 matches played out in front of the South African fans.
With so much drama and action, here is a glimpse at some of the moments and stories you may have missed on the opening day of the World Championships in Durban.
BROTHERS IN ARMS
When it came to dominating the table, brothers were combining to cause some serious damage in the opening round of the Men's Doubles. Sibling sensations Alexis and Felix Lebrun teamed up as well as Noshad Alamiyan and Nima Alamian for big victories in the round of 64. Watch out to see how far brotherly love can take the duos.
WELCOME TO THE HEARTBEAT OF AFRICA
Athletes and fans got a taste of South Africa as the opening ceremony officially got proceedings underway today. With African culture at the forefront, a lively ceremony and a warm welcome set a beat in everyone's hearts.
DORA DAZZLES
One of the first matches of Day 1 saw World No.87 Dora Madarasz knock out 10th seed Sofia Polcanova. The fiery Hungary came back from 1-3 down to pass the stern test of Polcanova in seven games (11-9, 7-11, 7-11, 4-11, 11-2, 13-11, 11-9). It was a career best win for Madrasz, who had never beat a player inside the Top 20 before today.
THE GOAT IS BACK
Ma Long marked his return to the World Championships today in utter style. The GOAT was making his eighth appearance at the event and put on a class act defeating Gaston Alto 4-0 (11-5, 11-2, 11-3, 11-8). Can Ma take a fourth title by the end of Durban?
