In a momentous victory that will be remembered for years to come, China’s Fan Zhendong has captured his first Olympic men’s singles gold medal, defeating Sweden’s Truls Möregardh in a thrilling final. This triumph comes as a redemption for Fan, who narrowly missed out on the top prize at the Tokyo 2020 Games, where he settled for silver. With this win, he cements his place as one of the greatest table tennis players of his generation, overcoming the bitter disappointment of his previous Olympic campaign.
The final, held at South Paris Arena, started with a surprising twist as Truls Moregard, the underdog sensation of the tournament, stormed ahead to win the first game 11-7. The Swedish player, ranked 26th in the world, had defied all expectations to reach the final, beating world number one Wang Chuqin and fourth seed Hugo Calderano along the way. Möregardh’s strong start raised hopes of an upset, and the crowd braced for what looked to be an intense battle.
However, Fan Zhendong, known for his mental toughness and adaptability, quickly regained his composure. He adjusted his game plan in the second game, unleashing more aggressive serves and forehand attacks to counter Moregard’s momentum. Fan won the second game 11-9, leveling the match at 1-1 and reminding everyone why he is regarded as one of the sport’s most dominant forces.
As the match progressed, Fan Zhendong’s experience and skill began to shine through. He claimed the third game 11-9, giving him a crucial 2-1 lead. Möregardh continued to fight valiantly, but Fan’s relentless pressure proved too much. In the fourth game, Fan once again edged out his opponent, winning 11-8 to extend his lead to 3-1.
Despite Möregardh’s spirited effort, the Chinese star was now in complete control. The final game saw Fan maintain his intensity, securing a decisive 11-6 victory and completing his journey to Olympic gold. The win was met with jubilation from his supporters, as Fan Zhendong finally stood atop the Olympic podium, realizing his dream of becoming a champion on the world’s biggest stage.
After the match, Fan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to redeem himself after his silver in Tokyo.
This gold medal means everything to me. After coming so close in 2020, I knew I had to work even harder, and today it has paid off. Truls played incredibly well, and it was a tough match, but I’m just so happy to finally achieve this goal," Fan said with a smile.
For Truls Möregardh, despite the loss, his performance at the Paris Olympics will be remembered as one of the tournament’s greatest stories. The Swedish player, whose run to the final included upsets over top-ranked opponents, has revived hopes of a resurgence in Swedish table tennis, ending the country’s 24-year Olympic medal drought in the sport. His journey from an underdog to a silver medalist has captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
As the Olympic men’s singles event comes to a close, Fan Zhendong’s victory stands as a testament to perseverance and excellence in sport. The gold medal match, filled with drama and intensity, delivered a fitting conclusion to a spectacular tournament. With this triumph, Fan Zhendong has not only erased the memories of past disappointments but has also solidified his legacy as one of table tennis' all-time greats.
To add a special touch to his celebration, Fan Zhendong struck a pose with his arms crossed, much like football star Kylian Mbappé. The celebration mirrors Mbappé’s famous style, which is even more meaningful as Mbappé has recently joined Real Madrid, Fan’s favorite football club. This moment not only marked Fan’s victory but also subtly linked his win to his admiration for one of football’s greatest players.