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Sam von Einem breaks Aussie table tennis hoodoo after qualifying for gold medal match

ADELAIDE’s Sam von Einem is set to deliver Australia’s first Paralympic table tennis medal in 32 years after winning through to the gold-medal playoff in Rio.

Sam von Einem has advanced to the gold medal match in Rio
Sam von Einem has advanced to the gold medal match in Rio

ADELAIDE’s Sam von Einem is set to deliver Australia’s first Paralympic table tennis medal in 32 years after winning through to the gold-medal playoff in Rio early tomorrow morning.

The 21-year-old will face the world No. 1 in his class, Belgian Florian van Acker, in the class 11 decider from 5am (EST).

Von Einem secured his place in the final with a 3-2 win over Korea’s Gi-Tae Kim.

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Sam von Einem has advanced to the gold medal match in Rio
Sam von Einem has advanced to the gold medal match in Rio

“I’m so relieved,” von Einem said.

“I knew I was capable of getting here, but I also knew I was capable of just bombing out, so I’m very, very happy.”

The Glengowrie ace conceded nerves kicked in during a tense third set, which he lost to fall a set down.

But he rallied in the closing two sets to score a guaranteed medal and the chance for a golden Games debut.

“I kept blowing leads, so I had to dig deep not to choke, otherwise I was never going to forgive myself,” he said.

Von Einem’s result will break a 32 year Australian table tennis medal drought
Von Einem’s result will break a 32 year Australian table tennis medal drought

“It’s been a very, very long time since we won a medal in table tennis, and I knew that going into this match today.

“It was a dream before I even got here, and now it’s a reality. It’s unbelievable.”

Von Einem said the task of beating von Acker was a daunting one

“So the world number one, I’ve never beaten him before,” he said.

“But it’s the gold medal match at the Paralympic Games, so if there’s a time to beat him, it’s now.”

Originally published as Sam von Einem breaks Aussie table tennis hoodoo after qualifying for gold medal match

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/olympics/rio-paralympics/sam-von-einem-breaks-aussie-table-tennis-hoodoo-after-qualifying-for-gold-medal-match/news-story/f11206c487decf637aaef402e1876cbb