Video: Table tennis player smashes advertising board after victory

Zhang Jike

The Liebherr Men’s World Cup concluded last Sunday with emotions pouring from the table tennis courts. In one of the most dramatic finals in the history of the tournament, Zhang Jike beat his Chinese teammate Ma Long in seven games. Second seeded Jike caused the upset after coming out on top to take gold against top seeded Long in the final.

Jike, who is famous for pulling off classic victories in big matches, took the title by the score 8-11, 11-4, 13-11, 7-11, 2-11, 11-5, 12-10. After the fifth set, it looked as if Long would take the momentum and clinch gold, but Jike staged a spectacular comeback to win the match.

After his victory, Jike could not hold on to his emotions. Everyone could understand his desire to let his emotions flow, but his celebration raised quite a few eyebrows. In the spur of the moment, Jike smashed his leg through an advertising board. For his actions, the tournament officials witheld the prize money.

Jike showed maturity following the incident, aplogising for causing the trouble and accepted to not receive any prize money. "I am very sorry for what I did. It was not acceptable behaviour and I am sorry," Jike said.

Speaking on the match, Jike was rellieved to put his best efforts in a time when several critics raising doubts on his form. “This was a perfect victory, I have been under a great deal of pressure, with people questioning my form. I am now very satisfied and very relieved, I would like to congratulate Ma Long on an amazing final; we really put on a table tennis exhibition,” he said.

Here is the video of his celebration.