It became something of a marathon match for Sweden against Hong Kong, who were favorites in the round of 16.
But if anyone thought it would be easy, they soon had to think again.
The duo Christina Källberg and Filippa Bergand got a good start in the initial doubles and went up 2-0 in sets, but failed to close the deal and lost 2-3 in sets.
In the singles match that followed, Linda Bergström ensured a tie at 1-1 in matches, after defeating Zhu Chengzhu 3-2 in sets.
Then it was Källberg's turn to win a singles match 3-2 in sets, against Doo Hoi Kem, and Sweden took the lead 2-1 in matches.
Bergand suffered a new loss, this time in three straight sets against Zhu Chengzhu – and thus everything was decided in a fifth match.
Then Bergström stepped forward for Sweden again. She was stable against Lee Ho Ching, won 3-0 in sets – and secured a Swedish upset advance to the Olympic Games quarterfinals.
This was one of the best evenings of my life. I'm so proud that we did it, says Bergström to Max after the advance.
It's completely crazy, we're like nothing in the table tennis world, we're 1,000 players in Sweden on the women's side, and then we're top 8 in the Olympic Games, I'm so proud, she continues.
In the quarterfinals, South Korea awaits. That meeting begins tomorrow, Tuesday, at 15.00.
