IS MA LONG QUITTING TABLE TENNIS?!

Hey guys, we're here in the training hall at China Smash. Massive event, and there's rumours going around that Ma Long is going to announce his retirement after the match today. It's the final, Ma Long vs Lin Shidong. I'm going to be absolutely gutted if he retires, but today we're going to vlog the whole event, and let's see what happens. So here we are guys, and we're at the fan entrance here to get into the China Smash. This place is going to be electric tonight. I've got my accreditation here to get me behind the scenes access. Let's go see what's going on. This is where this backstage pass comes in handy. Let's get behind the scenes. So Dan, how upset are you going to be if Ma Long actually does retire? I'm going to be gutted. He's done so much for the sport. I remember when I recorded him for the first time at the Werner Schlager Academy, and he was phenomenal. And even then, he stood out amongst everyone else, even the other Chinese players. He just had such flow and such consistency and worked great, and it was just a joy to watch. And ever since, I've just been kind of obsessed with him. What is it that makes Ma Long so good at table tennis? If I knew that, I'd be world class, Joe. However, we have been asking all the pros here all week what they think makes Ma Long so good at table tennis. Let's see what they've got to say. It's not so easy question. I think when I play him, my feeling is like we never know what he will do in the next point. When I play another player, I can see in the highs if he serves long or not. With Ma Long, I see nothing. The fear of playing Ma Long kills you. It's because you know that you will be punished with every weak ball that you give. I just feel that he can do everything. He has the feeling, he has the touch, he has the power, he has the speed. I feel that still in practice, when I watch him practice, he really wants to improve still. Dan, where are we off to next? We're going to go to where everyone wants to go right now. The training hall. There's Ma Long getting ready for the final. We've been in his practice hall all week and he's been training like a beast. Check out some of his best bits here. I'm just messaging Bob Roe. I'm just in a meeting. I've got to try and catch up with him. I've just found Zoran Primrak, my buddy. Let's see what he's got to say. Don't get a nosebleed. Yeah, good point. He's going into the VIP section as well. I wanted to catch you. I got very lucky there. That was a great fun match we had. Are you going to get the revenge then? I hope so. Let's set it up. Do you remember he got a nosebleed against you? I know, I remember. That's the reason why I lost. Dan's got a nosebleed because he's so nervous. How long is injury time out? You see, he was so excited to play against me. His body couldn't follow. Maybe brain, but body couldn't follow. I don't know if you have any intel, but do you think Ma Long will retire after this tournament? I spoke with some friend of mine from China. He told me that he still has a big desire to play. Okay, so he might not retire then. Legend. Enjoy the finals. Great to see you. Guys, Xu Xin just rocked up. He's in that car over there. What a legend he is. Guys, we're going to go into the Infinity Arena and check out how awesome this place is. WTT office is there with their social media guys. Smashing the comments. Here's the Infinity Arena. Just check this place out. Wow. So when Ma Long came out with his kids, do you think that was pretty much sealing the retirement? I think so, because he's never done that before, right? But let's see. We don't 100% know. There's a lot of speculation right now. So actually, we're making this whole video today. Might not even be able to air it. WTT Troika. That looks sick. Maybe if it is Ma Long's last rodeo, he wanted one of these. You know what, guys? I've just spotted the commentary box. Let's see if we can find Bobro and Fraser. Where are you at, Bobro? We found him. Been looking around everywhere for you. That's where I've been. You found me everywhere. How are you doing? I'm good. You? Fantastic. Great to see you. You're about to go on commentary soon for the final. Yeah, I'm excited. This should be good. Who do you think is going to take the finals? Tough to say. I mean, Xiaoxiao's been pretty unstoppable. She's won the last five in a row they've played. On the men's side, I don't want to choose. I think we all want to see Ma Long do it one more time. But Lin Shidong's got a really bright future, so I guess that's why we have to watch. Absolutely. It feels that way. And there's a big question on everyone's mind right now in the media and here. Do you think Ma Long's going to retire? Will he announce retirement after this match? No. No, I don't. And here's why. I think he wants to play more. When he gets asked the question, it doesn't seem like he's the one bringing it up. Ma Long, to me, is showing no signs of wanting to stop. I don't know. We'll have to watch and find out. I hope not. And I know I'm not alone in that. Ultimately, I want him to be happy. Well, I know you've got to go and commentate now, so I appreciate the time and enjoy it. Thanks, Daniel, as well. Just 15 minutes until the women's singles finals begins. Here's Sun Yingsha heading over to the arena to get ready. This guy warming up. I'm getting ready for the final. It's been a crazy week. Wang Shuqin's on the court. I'm calling it right now. Anders Lin's about to shock the world. He's done it. Anders has only gone and beat Wang Shuqin. It is absolutely buzzing. Wow, dude, that was world class. Thank you. Being able to win against world number one, I'm so happy. Table tennis has been so, like, thrilling. Spectators, it's been full every day. We're now on the final. Finals day. And, yeah, it's exciting. It's funny. It's interesting, guys. At big events, the Chinese players, when they face each other, they always warm up with each other in the hall. So Ma Long here is warming up with Lin Shidong right before the final. So the women's finals are on, guys. Sun Yingsha vs Wang Mengyu. Sun Yingsha's fan base is absolutely incredible. Just listen to it. 6-5. Look at that. It's like a UFO. Sun Yingsha has a match point. Ma Long vs Lin Shidong. Just going to grab a battery for this final. Going to need it. There he is. The GOAT of the game. Is this going to be his last ever international match? Lin Shidong. There he is. Wow. This place is rocking. Any closer than this, we're going to the seventh. Here we go. The crowd. Getting ready for this seventh set. A start for Ma Long. Wow. Best three points Ma Long's played all match. That's a great shot. The fans are literally screaming out here. It's insane. And again, that line ball. So Fan Zhendong-like with that backhand flick. WTT China Smash points for Lin Shidong. What a performance. What a match. Ma Long missed the forehand. A donkey as we call it. Is this where Ma Long announces his retirement at China Smash? At the possibility of international retirement, do you feel this match solidifies that dedication to you? But first things first, I want to congratulate Lin Shidong. When I was in my 20s, I dreamed of winning the title in every tournament I participated in. But this time, as long as I could stand on the stage, it's already a success and achievement for me. And making it to the finals has already exceeded my imagination. Ladies and gentlemen, once again for Ma Long. China Smash has been absolutely electric. The fan base here in China is just phenomenal and I've just loved every single minute. The great news is Ma Long is still playing. He isn't retired. The GOAT will still see him. And of course, there's many new players rising through China now. Lin Shidong, what a player. Well, I hope you enjoyed our coverage here. We have a lot of podcasts coming out. Be sure to check out our podcast channel in the links in the description. As always, be sure to like, subscribe. Thanks for watching. Ma Long, you're my favourite player. Thank you so much.