62-Year-Old Table Tennis Star Wins Eighth Straight Croatian Championship

In a remarkable display of sustained athletic prowess, 62-year-old Ni Xia Lian has clinched her eighth consecutive Croatian table tennis championship. The Luxembourgish player, originally from China, secured the title for Stolnoteniski klub Dr. Časl by winning two decisive individual matches in the final series against STK Zagreb.

Dr. Martin Tino Časl, president of the winning club, described his relationship with Lian as "more familial than friendly." He noted her continued commitment to the club, stating, "She played those two matches in the regular season and now came for the final series. She will continue to play for us. She loves Zagreb; she always has a very good time here." This victory marks the club's 13th Croatian championship title and their 11th in a row.

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I met her in 2011 at the World Championships in Düsseldorf. Little by little, we became friends, and in the end, she agreed to play for my club. Our relationship is more familial than friendly.

Lian's journey began in Shanghai, where her talent was evident from a young age. She joined the powerful Chinese national team at 16 and achieved world championship gold in mixed doubles and team events at 19. After a period of success, she abruptly retired from the international scene in 1986, pursuing higher education.

Seeking new experiences, Lian moved to Europe, first to Germany and then to Luxembourg in 1989. In Luxembourg, she found not only a new home but also met her husband and coach, Tommy Danielsson. She established a family, opened a hotel, and dedicated time to her garden, trading the pressure of constant victories for the joy of playing. She became an institution in Luxembourgish sports, valued not just as an athlete but as a person.

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She played those two matches in the regular season and now came for the final series. She will continue to play for us. She loves Zagreb; she always has a very good time here.