JO Waldner took leave to table tennis – Aftonbladet

It was not a game of table tennis.

The meeting between the tramway and Records evolved into a pure celebration of one of Sweden’s greatest athletes.

– Fantastic. I do not think anybody cares about the outcome, says JO Waldner, 50, during their thanks and farewell performance in Liljeholm Hall.

Even the most beautiful sports stories have a final. Jan-Ove Waldner played during Thursday his last competitive games, 38 years after league premiere of the tramway.

Interest farewell show was great, even excessive.

Even before 15 o’clock – three and half an hour before the match starts – was the first Waldner fans parked at the entrance to the hall Liljeholm to ensure a place.

– it was such a queue that is ridiculous. Those who did not get the room we had to refer to a pub nearby which broadcast the game, says sports director Anders Svensson.

“extra pressure”

The 200 is normally a good Attendance for Angby-tramway. During J-O Waldner last game came 400, as many as the hall can hold.

The Olympic and World Championship gold medalist hailed great during the presentation. Cheers and applause did not end, and all the spectators sang his name.

– I feel like I approach the end. It’s great that so many people wanted to come. At the same time put a little extra pressure on me, say, J-O-Waldner.

“The evergreen tree,” as he is called in China, did not disappoint. He defeated Rekords Simon Arvidsson 3-2 in their first game.

“Little is left”

– A little there is left in gubbjäkeln, JO Waldner said.

– It appears that he can still play. No one else in the world can do as he is in his 50s, says Simon Arvidsson to SVT.

The match ended 3-2 in sets (10-12, 11-8, 11-6, 7-11, 11-6).

However he handed not against Andreas Törnqvist, who won 3-1 in sets. Waldner was on show temper, hit his patented serve and did everything to entertain the crowd.

– Serve need to, and I tried to hit a ball behind his back, says JO Waldner, who will be celebrated throughout the evening.