Chinese fans bid emotional farewell to retiring 'Uncle Boll'
June 17 (Reuters) - Chinese table tennis fans bid an emotional farewell to their 'Uncle Boll', German former world number one Timo Boll who challenged China's long-time dominance of the sport.
The 44-year-old, who retired from international competition last year with four Olympic medals (two silver and two bronze), played his final professional match in Frankfurt on Sunday.
"Thank you to the Chinese fans for your deep affection that crossed national borders," Boll posted on Weibo after his team lost the Bundesliga final.
"From Ma Lin to Fan Zhendong, every clash with a great opponent has been one of my most cherished honours," Boll said, referring to two Chinese Olympic champions.
The post received millions of views in China, where table tennis is widely regarded as the country's national sport.
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