Truls Möregårdh won the WTT Champions in Montpellier on Sunday. On the way there, he knocked out Anton Källberg in the first round with a 3–0 score in sets.
In Frankfurt, Källberg took revenge – big time. It was once again the first round of a Champions competition and now Möregårdh didn't stand a chance.
Flawless game
With a razor-sharp forehand and flawless play, 28-year-old Källberg took the first set 11–3. In the second he led 10–4, but even though Möregårdh was able to save three set points, he lost 7–11. In the third set, the crushing was complete – 23-year-old Möregårdh only took three balls (3–11) and the match was over after just 18 minutes.
Källberg is enjoying himself in Frankfurt. In last year's major competition in the German city, he reached the final, but lost to China's Lin Shidong.
"I've had some tough matches and tough losses since I last played in Frankfurt. I'm trying to remind myself that it went well here last time and draw on that experience," says Källberg in the victory interview on SVT's broadcast.
The next round awaits Alexis Lebrun. The Frenchman went out in Montpellier against Möregårdh in the semifinals.
“Never hit him”
"I definitely have to play at my highest level. I've never beaten him, we haven't met that many times. It's going to be tough," says Källberg about Friday night's round of 16.
In France last week, the top Chinese were missing, and in Frankfurt none are participating at all. This is due to the upcoming National Games of China – which can be compared to a domestic Olympics.
