China in the Asian Cup 2018

Table Tennis Discussion

Last updated 5 years ago

Mike Deubig

Mike Deubig Asked 5 years ago

I watched Fan Zhendong get beat by Harimoto 3-1 in the Asian Cup this year. At first, I didn't think much of it but a great match by Harimoto. Someone commented that Fan Zhendong was hitting it right at Harimoto a lot, suggesting he threw the match. Another said he wasn't hitting with the same power he normally does. They might be right, when I watched the finals of the Asian Cup between Fan Zhendong and LIN Gaoyuan, he did play differently. 

So the question is, did Fan Zhendong allowed Harimoto to win? My theory, I now think it is possible. You see, LIN Gaoyuan and Fan Zhendong would not have met in the finals if Fan Zhendong would have beaten Harimoto. So by losing, he went into the lower bracket and Gaoyuan remained in the higher bracket. This way China could take both the gold and silver and eventually they did. What do you think?   


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 5 years ago

Hi Mike,

This is a theory I have heard before as well.

I haven't seen the footage so difficult to comment.  I would like to think we are past that sort of thing happening now.


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Rohan Keogh

Rohan Keogh Posted 5 years ago

Alois, I would like to think so too, but sadly I doubt we are.  I'm not suggesting I agree it was the case here but it is still being show time and time again that athletes/sports stars, and some countries, will do anything to 'win'.  I don't think that will ever change ... we're human.



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