Shandong men's team crowned in China Table Tennis Super League

Olympic and world champ Zhang Jike steered Shandong men's team to a 3-0 win over their Jiangsu counterparts in the final of 2014 China Table Tennis Super League (CTTSL) here on Saturday.

It was Shandong's third league title in franchise history and their first since 2010.

"We're happy about winning the CTTSL title for the third time. It is a new beginning for us. Zhang Jike played a pivotal role in our team's success during the whole season," said Shandong coach Guo Keli.

Zhang Jike set the tone for Shandong with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over German star Dimitrij Ovtcharov, whom he lost to in the World Table Tennis Championships in May.

"He is a good quality player. I've learned a lot from the loss to him in the World Championships, and I think today's clash is even more valuable," said Zhang.

Ovtcharov jumped to 4-0 ahead in the deciding fifth game after they split the first four games. Zhang withstood the pressure and made a strong comeback by taking seven points in a row to seal the victory.

"It's the last match for this season, so many people think about it in a different way. But I just took it as a normal game," Zhang added.

Hao Shuai extended Shandong's lead after beating Cui Yuanlei 7-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-8. He then teammed up with Fang Bo to upset Zhang Chao and Lin Chen 11-8, 11-7 in the doubles and clinch the title.

"Shandong deserved the win. They are more superior to us," said Jiangsu coach Wang Yonggang.

The CTTSL women's final will be contested on Sunday, featuring Shandong and Bayi (Chinese Army).