Beijing showdown: Möregårdh advances after protest
In a tense moment during the second set at 6–6, Swedish star Truls Möregårdh challenged a serve-call against Omar Assar. The umpire upheld the decision, and Möregårdh received a warning for the protest. The incident sparked Möregårdh, who went on to win the set 11–8 and level the match at 1–1 after dropping the first set 5–11.
Momentum shifts and a solid finish
With the crowd behind him, the 23-year-old Möregårdh carried the energy into the next sets, taking the third 11–6 and clinching the match in the fourth set with a tight 12–10 scoreline. The win propelled him into the third round. This victory follows Möregårdh’s triumph at the World Tour Grand Smash held in Malmö, underscoring his strong form heading into the Beijing event.
Karlsson’s busy day in Beijing: doubles and singles
Kristian Karlsson had a demanding Tuesday in Beijing. He began in doubles, partnering with Mattias Falck, VM gold medallists in doubles in 2021, and secured a 3–0 win in the first round against Aditya Sareen (Australia) and Edward Ly (Canada). A few hours later, Karlsson teamed up with Stina Källberg in mixed doubles and delivered a dramatic 3–2 victory over Falck and Barbora Várady ( Slovakia ), advancing to the quarterfinals where they will face Yuan Licen and Wang Yidi of China.
Karlsson dominates Yuan Licen in singles
In the second round of the singles tournament, 33-year-old Karlsson, ranked No. 40 in the world, faced the 141st-ranked Yuan Licen, who had defeated Anton Källberg in the first round. Karlsson controlled the match and won 3–0, with set scores of 12–10, 11–8, 11–6. “A fully solid day at the job,” Karlsson told SVT, adding that it felt very satisfying to avenge Anton’s loss and to disrupt Yuan’s rhythm by pressuring his serves.
What’s next for the Swedes
In doubles, Karlsson and Falck face a formidable challenge against China’s top pair, Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong, in what promises to be a tough test for the Swedish duo as they pursue a deep run in Beijing.
For Möregårdh, the next round in Beijing represents another opportunity to reinforce his status on the world tour after winning Malmö. The tournament actions in Beijing continue to showcase Sweden’s depth in both singles and doubles as the players clash with some of the sport’s best from around the globe.
