Watch: Paddler Truls Moregardh’s ‘snake shot’ at Paris Olympics breaks the internet | Paris Olympics 2024 News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The men’s singles table tennis final at the Paris Olympics witnessed an intense encounter between Sweden’s Truls Moregardh and Fan Zhendong, with the Chinese securing the gold medal.
Despite Moregardh’s loss, a particular moment during the match captured the audience’s admiration and went viral on social media platforms.
Moregardh executed a remarkable ‘snake’ shot, a complex manoeuvre that involves hitting the ball from beneath the table, rendering it invisible to the opponent momentarily.
The shot, characterized by its deceptive heavy spin, caused the ball to land on Zhendong’s side and then spin back, leaving Zhendong unable to respond in time. He made a lunge for the ball, but it was already beyond his grasp.
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The moment of ingenuity from Moregardh, albeit during a phase where his victory seemed improbable, showcased his willingness to entertain the audience and his mastery of the paddle.
The ‘snake’ shot is known for its difficulty and the element of surprise it brings into play. It requires precise execution to mislead the opponent about the ball’s spin direction. Moregardh’s successful execution of this shot highlighted his innovative approach, earning him widespread acclaim among fans and spectators.
Despite the moment of brilliance, Moregardh was unable to secure a win against Zhendong, who demonstrated superior consistency and skill throughout the match.
The final score was 1-4 in favour of Zhendong, with game scores of 7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8, 11-8.
After winning the initial game, Moregardh faced challenges in matching Zhendong’s intensity and ultimately had to settle for the silver medal.