China's men's team win 9th consecutive title at table tennis worlds

Ma Long of China celebrates during the game against Timo Boll of Germany at Men's group final between team China and team Germany at the 2018 World Team Table Tennis Championships in Halmstad, Sweden, May 6, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

Surprisingly, Ma breezed past the 37-year-old 11-4, 11-8, 11-3, giving China a precious advantage in the best of five showdown.

In the following match, 21-year world No 1 wasted no time to demolish Filus in a convincing manner 11-4, 11-5, 11-4.

Franziska, who beat Jeoung Youngsik in deciding game of the semifinal, stepped up onto the court to prevent Germany from being swept out in the third match.