Protest sparks a comeback as Möregårdh advances in Beijing
In the latest World Tour Grand Smash in Beijing, Truls Möregårdh turned a tense moment into a springboard for victory. The drama unfolded in the second set when the 23-year-old Swedish star loudly challenged a referee’s decision during a 6–6 rally, after Omar Assar was awarded a point for what the umpire deemed an improper serve. “That’s wrong. I’ve done it eight times before and you haven’t done anything,” Möregårdh could be heard saying during SVT’s broadcast. The umpire stood by the call, and Möregårdh received a warning for the protest.
The moment did not derail the Swede; it seemed to fuel him. Möregårdh fought back to win the second set 11–8, erasing a 5–11 deficit from the opening frame and leveling the match. He then captured the third set 11–6 and closed out the fourth 12–10 to move into the third round. The rally was a testament to his resilience and his growing ability to use pressure moments as fuel rather than a distraction. The drama came on the heels of Möregårdh’s most recent major success at home in Malmö, where he lifted the latest World Tour Grand Smash trophy, underscoring his rising status on the world stage.
Karlsson’s hectic day in Beijing: across doubles, mixed doubles and singles
Kristian Karlsson, 33, also had a busy Tuesday in the Chinese capital. The Swedish veteran began the day by advancing in doubles with Mattias Falck—the Malmö World Tour champions in doubles in 2021—by sweeping Aditya Sareen (Australia) and Edward Ly (Canada) 3–0 in the opening round. A short time later, Karlsson linked with Stina Källberg to win a nail-biting mixed doubles match against Falck’s partner Barbora Várady (Slovakia). The blue-and-yellow pairing snatched the 3–2 victory and earned a quarterfinal spot against Yuan Licen and Wang Yidi of China.
In the singles bracket, Karlsson faced Yuan Licen in the second round after Yuan had eliminated Anton Källberg in the first. The 40th-ranked Karlsson, with a confident, steady style, took the measure of the 141st-ranked Yuan with a clean 3–0 victory, posting set scores of 12–10, 11–8 and 11–6. Karlsson later described the performance as “a fully acceptable day at the office,” noting that he had found a rhythm that disrupted Yuan’s serving and forced the Chinese player into uncomfortable positions. “It felt like a very good match for me. I was able to push him into making mistakes and kept control of the rallies,” Karlsson told SVT after the match.
The win keeps Karlsson on track for a meaningful deep run in both singles and doubles. He emphasized that the day’s results were important not just for himself, but for the team’s momentum as Sweden tries to maximize its results in Beijing’s demanding schedule. In the immediate future, Karlsson and Falck face a stern test in doubles against the top-ranked Chinese pair Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong, who occupy the world No. 1 and No. 2 spots in singles. The pairing’s task is daunting, but the Swedes approach it with confidence and a plan to continue exploiting dynamic serves and quick transitions at the table.
Looking ahead in Beijing
With Möregårdh and Karlsson both advancing, Sweden’s table tennis program is showing the depth and resilience that have become hallmarks of their generation. Möregårdh’s emotional response to the protest has already become a talking point among fans and analysts, illustrating how a focused, high-pressure moment can catalyze performance. Karlsson’s steady singles win and successful foray in the doubles and mixed doubles paint a picture of a team ready to challenge the competition at multiple fronts.
Wednesday’s schedule promises a formidable challenge for the Swedish duo. Karlsson and Falck will attempt to navigate a glistening field of world-class players in doubles, while the mixed doubles and singles programs continue to shape up behind them. As the crowd in Beijing roars and the cameras capture every serve and return, the Swedish team remains determined to translate momentum into a run deep into the tournament.
