A big night of firsts for Australian Table Tennis

Day ten produced huge results for the Australian table tennis team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

In the Class 8-10 Men's Singles, Ma Lin pushed Wales’ Joshua Stacey right to the end of the gold medal match, becoming the first Australian Para male to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games. Ma Lin fought hard but unfortunately came up just short in the tight five game decider taking silver in the 2-3 loss (23-25, 11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 5-11).

National Head Coach (Para) Alois Rosario is proud of the entire Para Squad’s performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“Ma Lin fought hard and played well against Joshua Stacey, but he just came up short in five games,” he said.

“I am thrilled that our six para athletes, all of whom were Commonwealth Games debutants, came away with one gold and two silver medals and everyone made a positive contribution to the team.”

After Ma Lin made history for Australia in the Para Gold Medal match, Yangzi Liu followed suit. Her tight 4-3 (3-11, 11-6, 11-2, 7-11, 15-13, 9-11, 11-7) win over India’s Sreeja Akula saw Yangzi become the first Australian to win a medal in the Women’s Singles at the Commonwealth Games.

National Head Coach (Able-Bodied), John Murphy, said that although Yangzi was disappointed to lose so closely in the semi-final yesterday, she put it behind her and dug deep and kept fighting for a great victory against a quality opponent.

“She now has the honour of being the first Australian to win a medal in Women's Singles at the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“Yangzi has further underlined her prowess and no doubt she has a bright future ahead in the green and gold.”

Min Hyung Jee and Jian Fang Lay continued the roll for Australia as they secured their spot in the Women’s Doubles gold medal match. Their 3-0 (11-9, 11-9, 11-3) victory over Singapore’s Xin Ru Wong and Jingyi Zhou in the semi final guarantees Australia another medal.

“Jian and Min played sensationally tonight to win 3-0 in the semi-final and guarantee another medal for Australia,” Murphy said.

“Their tactics were spot on and their execution was just as good. They have a great chemistry together and are both looking forward to playing in the final.”

Unfortunately, our Men’s Doubles and our Mixed Doubles pairs had tough losses in their respective bronze medal matches but showed determination, class and courage to place fourth.

“It was tough to lose the Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles bronze medal playoffs, both against Singapore,” Murphy said.

“However, making it this far is an excellent achievement. Nicholas and Finn are still both only 17 years old and this is Min's first time representing Australia at a major international event. Both pairs had many good wins along the way and they can hold their heads high.”

Photos: Michael Loveder. 

Day 11 matches:
Women’s Doubles Gold Medal:
AUS Min Hyung Jee / Jian Fang Lay v SGP 7:10pm AEST

Watch live here.

Day 10 results:
Class 8-10 Men's Singles Gold Medal:
(AUS) Ma Lin v Joshua Stacey (WAL) 2-3

Women’s Singles Bronze Medal:
(AUS) Yangzi Liu v Sreeja Akula (IND) 4-3

Men’s Doubles Bronze Medal:
AUS Nicholas Lum / Finn Luu v SGP 1-3

Women’s Doubles Semi Final:
AUS Jian Fang Lay / Min Hyung Jee v SGP 3-0

Mixed Doubles Bronze Medal:
AUS Nicholas Lum / Min Hyung Jee v  SGP 1-3

For more detailed results click here.