Ma Lin vs Vladimir Samsonov (2009 Europe-Asia Challenge)

[napleee]

4:36 LOL the commentator

[ingullar]

They are both great players!

[john66560]

they should show the statistics like tennis. i doubt if ma lin has error more than 5% of all breakdowns on skills.

[Gakbu154]

The biggest difference between these 2 players is the footwork. Samsonov moves so little near Ma Lin (that tries to give every stroke with his foehand).

[Daemowa]

i dont like samsonovs style. its so clumsy.

[xeqrtt]

Ma lin  >>>>

[Legitdupe]

I really think these players have two very distinctive styles.

It seems like Samsonov had analyzed Ma Lin's game and blocked him out with some nice placements. Still at many times he underestimated the spin on Ma Lin's forehand causing Samsonovs returns to become easy for Ma Lin to attack. At some points Samsonov attempted risky placements causing him to miss the table even. Ma Lin had the upper hand on offensive play and it payed off once he started to recognize Samsonov's placement patterns

[yammi999]

Wow Samsonov is a giant

[taufoofar]

Man, Samsonov could've pulled a winner outta this game... it's strange how so many players can lead a game against the Chinese players, but yet how few of them actually manage to beat them...

[malinwang]

its not 2009

[ersguterjunge467]

of course

[Pewpshmear]

why do people keep saying ma lin and samsonov are too old? i mean samsonov's getting old (33), but ma lin is 29. and they're both in the top ten, so its not like their age is affecting their game. schlager is too old.

[taufoofar]

Schlager may be old, but so what? Didn't stop him from beating Samsonov over and over again...

[mixstylee]

yeah! Ha!

[tedbratton]

@Pewpshmear

i think most are just saying theyre too old to be number 1 again, thats all. i think samsonov finally started to feel his age a bit this year (2010), though.

[TTPokemonLover]

@Pewpshmear lol ji liao and guo yan look like there 50

[MrRothhaendle]

@Pewpshmear Schlager concentrates on his "Werner Schlager Academy" and his family, so he neglects training. With his finesse and tactical game, he is able to play a big role in europe till now.

Ma Lin is "old" in chinese understanding. China boosts his talents very early, so the body is struggling earlier than it is the fact with european players!

European players' best age is about 30. Schlager won the WTTC, Boll will be #1 in january again, Kreanga had his breakthrough with 30.

[tyoungos]

I've got to call this match "the match of relative degradation." And the winner is.... Samsonov!

One or both players needs to retire soon.

[squashskunk]

Both players are in the top 10 in the world ya douche!

[jkillashark]

Hahaha look at 2:12, after Samsonov's soft block bounces twice on the table. The looks on both of the player's faces are priceless. Ma Lin's like "WTF" and Samsonov has this evil smirk on his face.

[squashskunk]

I'm not completely sure, but I believe Samsonov's block grazed the net, causing it to double bounce.

[jkillashark]

No it did not. It was a soft block.

[squashskunk]

To my eye, the ball did not graze the net. To double bounce the ball from the position Samsonov did would be an impressively difficult feat. Given the things I've seen Samsonov do, if any man could pull off such a shot he would be a likely candidate. However, the body language of both Ma Lin and particularly Samsonov indicate otherwise. How does Samsonov react after making an amazing shot? I've seen it many times- he fist pumps and modestly celebrates.

[squashskunk]

Samsonov gives an apologetic wave. To me, this is evidence the ball tapped the net. To argue Samsonov apologized for making a truly masterful shot, to me, indicates you believe he is a bit of a dick. Who would apologize like that after making an incredible shot(as if to say smugly "oh, sometimes I'm just too good, sorry")? Not Samsonov, he possess excellent sportsmanship.

[atthy4]

Samsonov have already beaten Ma minimum 3 times

[scylla24]

if thats the case, they were all at least like 5 or 6 years ago. And either way, Ma Lin wins the majority of the times they play

[DuchDoby]

When?

[jkillashark]

Dating back to 2002. Samsonov has NEVER beaten Ma Lin.

[DuchDoby]

Samsonov and Kreanga never beat Ma Lin.Shame.

[leroyping]

great!!!

[joewatch]

Not really close, but Samsonov was doing well attacking the forehand side until the last game when Ma Lin made the adjustment. Some really gorgeous (or lucky) blocks, too.

[atthy4]

Sometimes here I feel that Vlady trys to be too tricky and it is risky against ma s smashes. This way I think vldy can't surprise the chenese any more but he is still great and the best blocker

[ppball]

great video quality

[asr4el]

Ma Lin using RPB ?

[poorknight123]

I heard he sometimes does...but he generally uses traditional chinese penhold

[kioka2]

Yes, he use RPB more than last years! in 2005 he always used tradtional chinese penhold, but now he uses more RPB :D

[david93fcb]

wow, really good quality

good cutting → 5*

[wabigor]

fantastic, Ma Lin is so strong over the table.

[Walker0811]

nice block from samsonov at 2:09

[brandonleboss38]

ma lin is a greatest

[brandonleboss38]

vive ma lin

[TableTennisTT]

Sick quality, Great video nice 5*