CCTV9英语新闻：Ma Long claims title of men's singles event at ITTF World Tour

One week ago, China's Ma Long fell to compatriot Zhang Jike in the men's singles Final in Kuwait. That left the reigning world champion eager to show that he remains the man to beat when he's got a paddle in his hand, but this time he would need to overcome another countryman, 19-year-old Fan Zhendong.

This is Ma's 32nd title match on the ITTF World Tour, compared to just eight for Fan, but the youngster in red jumps ahead in the first set.

China's Ma Long poses during the awarding ceremony for the men's singles event at the 2016 ITTF World Tour Qatar Open table tennis tournament in Doha, capital of Qatar, on March 27, 2016. Ma Long claimed the title by beating his compatriot Fan Zhendong 4-1 in the final. (Xinhua/Nikku)

The Liaoning native in black then pushes back, and patiently waits out the World Championship bronze medalist, to go up 9-7.

And Fan is soon trying to stave off set point as he's down 10-9, but manages to find the net instead, so Ma wins the hard-fought opener.

After the world champion takes the second set, Fan grabs a 7-2 lead in the third, and eventually takes the frame by a margin of 11-5.

Things would be very tight in the fourth, but Ma reaches back for some extra power to go up by two.

Fan answers, but is again facing set point. He had already saved three to stay alive, but Ma puts it away here, 13-11.

And the world champion dominates the fifth set, winning it 11-5 to wrap up a four sets to one victory, and claim the title in Qatar.

It would also be an all-Chinese affair in the women's singles Final, with Liu Shiwen meeting world champion Ding Ning. Liu would win the first set, but Ding in blue levels things in the second.

China's Liu Shiwen competes during the final of the women's singles against her compatriot Ding Ning at the 2016 ITTF World Tour Qatar Open table tennis tournament in Doha, capital of Qatar, on March 27, 2016. Liu Shiwen claimed the title by beating her compatriot Ding Ning 4-1 in the final. (Xinhua/Nikku)

Liu in the black and green showcases her speed, and takes the upper hand against Ding's spin, winning the third frame to lead 2-1, and then she grabs the fourth to go in front 3-1.

In the fifth set, Ding seizes the early advantage as she takes a commanding lead, jumping ahead by a tally of 6-2.

But the World Championship runner-up fights back to move one point from the title. Ding doesn't give up easily, saving match point there to trail 10-9. Liu would not let it slip away however, winning the fifth 11-9, and claiming the women's title four sets to one.