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Throwback – Ma Long vs Lin Gaoyuan: A World Cup Final for the Ages

Lin Gaoyuan and Ma Long in the World Cup Final 2024

Apr. 11th 2025

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International

Looking back at the 2024 ITTF World Cup Final, one moment still gives chills: Ma Long, trailing 1:3 in games and 1:5 in the fifth, seemed all but out. And yet, like so many times before, the Dragon roared back.

Lesson learned? Never doubt the GOAT. 😄

With sheer resilience, tactical brilliance, and his signature calm under pressure, Ma Long completed one of the most epic comebacks in recent memory to defeat Lin Gaoyuan 4:3 and lift his third World Cup title.

Here’s a look at his legendary path to glory in Macao:

  • Round of 16: def. Felix Lebrun 4:2

    (11:7, 11:8, 7:11, 11:8, 8:11, 11:8)

  • Quarterfinals: def. Shunsuke Togami 4:2

    (5:11, 11:5, 7:11, 11:7, 11:3, 11:3)

  • Semifinals: def. Wang Chuqin 4:0

    (11:9, 12:10, 11:6, 14:12)

  • Final: def. Lin Gaoyuan 4:3

    (9:11, 9:11, 5:11, 11:8, 11:6, 11:4, 11:8)

What a run. What a champion. Three-time World Cup winner. Forever a legend. 🐉🏆

Photo Source: ITTF

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