2015 World Tour Grand Finals Highlights: SAMSONOV Vladimir vs XU Xin (1/4)

[@knotwilg3596]

One of the most impressive performances ever by Samsonov. The master of placement against the master of footwork. In the end, it's speed and power that prevail. Great match.

[@minsin5595]

+Dieter Verhofstadt "The master of placement against the master of footwork.", well said!

[@TheOriginalCoca]

Two different styles colliding in a superb game! Xu Xin's power vs. Samsonovs placement games. Samy plays a great game, it's so well thought out and counters the power game of xu xin so well. Much respect to Samsonov to play so well at he's age.

[@Loopy_McLooperson]

damn, gotta hand it to Sammy. Amazing that he plays on this high a level at nearly 40 yo

[@Enigma793]

The fact that the 39 year-old Samsonov can compete on this level with the likes of XU Xin and other top Chinese is a testament to his genius and technique. So much respect for both of these men. I wish it had gone to a game 7 at least, but XU Xin went clutch on the final game points. Great matchup, and thanks for posting.

[@timoboll88]

What a shame it didn't go full distance... Samsonov is a legend and deservedly so. No one in Europe is as smart in the way he plays.

[@AseeF]

Samsonov smiles at the game, Xu Xin smiles back shaking hand. you know you gotta hand it to Samsonov. He was playing against Liu Guoliang and now hes the nat coach.

[@Chowqiao]

Samsonov was amazing here. His tactics made it a tough match for Xu XIn.

[@adlan1823]

This broke my heart. My idol is getting older for the sport. Had he been a bit younger, he'd school Xu Xin.

[@ichtube]

Xu Xin is a killer. He definitely deserved to win. Sam was too defensive ...

[@Greselschueler]

Why isnt't there a coach for Samsonov?

[@zajtsohmoob3232]

Sam is always play like gentleman.

[@terencelau8596]

Well done

[@BestEquipmentShots]

Xu xin seems to have damaged his racket maybe when he attempted to hit the Samsonov serve that bounced twice.

[@TheCubeIsTaken]

+BestEquipmentShots Can confirm. Look at 4:09 to 4:10 for the close up of his DHS forehand rubber.

[@TheCubeIsTaken]

+dfunkt No idea what is your reason for saying that. I watched it multiple times with slow mo. Too bad we can only witness the action from 1 angle without any camera replay. That receive by samsonov did not hit twice on the table. And from the shit sound of ittf, it is clear that the head of xu xin's bat indeed hit the table before samsonov smashed the ball afterwards. That chop return by xu xin was good, and it clearly hit twice, totally legal. You saying that if xu xin played the correct move thats a dick move?

[@AseeF]

+BestEquipmentShots one cut on the rubber, another deep cut on top of the blade. Did he damage both on the same occasion ? or was his blade always beat up.

[@TheCubeIsTaken]

+Asif Gunz looks like it was damaged on that shot. He is a professional player he mentions in his stiga video that he replaces the rubber every week or so.

[@AseeF]

im sure he does. He doesn't have to mention it lol. But the cut on the blade head is not very close to the cut on the rubber. So I was wondering if it was always there. Even though its a custom made blade, its difficult for players to find one with similar feel. ZJK is still stuck with that faded viscaria.

[@syafiyaramzan7062]

gud luck xuxin

[@zajtsohmoob3232]

Samsonov can reach any ball within the zip code.

[@BirdShark]

...exactly how tall is samsonov?

[@PPKspb]

+BirdShark 0002 193 sm

[@Alay172]

Xu Xin is too good these days... Physically must be feeling good.

[@Molimo95]

So sad for Samsonov :(

[@IWantSomethingNew]

Samsonov :(.