Ma Long of China awarded a half-size replica of the St. Bride Vase Trophy in Durban, South Africa, on May 28, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

DURBAN, South Africa - China's Ma Long stole the limelight on the closing day of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC) Finals despite missing out on the men's singles final.

The 34-year-old was awarded a half-size replica of the historical St. Bride Vase Trophy in recognition of his extraordinary achievement of winning the men's singles world title three consecutive times in 2015, 2017, and 2019.

During Sunday's award ceremony, Ma delivered an emotional speech in both Chinese and English, saying, "When I was young, I never thought that someday I can win this special trophy. It is really an honor for me."

"I want to thank my country, our great team, my family, my friends and some real fans, because you are always inspiring me, supporting me, and making me a better man.

"I also want to thank my opponents, because without them, there would not be some wonderful games. I hope that more people like to play table tennis. Thanks, South Africa. Thanks, Durban," he concluded.

During Sunday's award ceremony, Ma Long delivered an emotional speech in both Chinese and English, saying, "When I was young, I never thought that someday I can win this special trophy. It is really an honor for me"

Ma told reporters in the mixed zone that he felt amazed because it's "the most special trophy" for him.

"I'm not the first player to receive it, nor the last one, but I still feel it's a memorable moment," he said.

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In his eighth individual World Championships appearance, Ma lost to compatriot Wang Chuqin in the semifinals. After losing the game, Ma touched three corners of the table.

"I want to cherish and will miss this moment, even though it's uncertain whether this will be my last World Championships or not," said Ma.

"As I said before, I will approach every game as the last one and fight to win, especially on such a grand stage."

Ma's extraordinary achievements over his playing career also include winning five Olympic gold medals, further cementing his status as a table tennis legend.

Ma Long of China competes during his men's singles semifinal match against Wang Chuqin at 2023 ITTF Table Tennis World Championships Finals in Durban, South Africa, May 27, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Wang, who is 11 years younger than Ma, lost to defending champion Fan Zhendong, also from China, in six games in the final.\

Ma's extraordinary achievements over his playing career also include winning five Olympic gold medals, further cementing his status as a table tennis legend

Ma said Wang has made great stride over the past year, especially after last year's World Team Table Tennis Championships in Chengdu.

"He is a tough opponent. The younger generation like him has improved rapidly. That's why the Chinese team has been flourishing for a long time," said Ma.

With his playing career winding down, Ma hopes to enjoy every day in his life, both as a paddler and a person.

"For me, life is not all about table tennis now. I hope to do well in table tennis, but there are many other things that I need to care about more, including my family," he said.

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Ma also hopes that table tennis players can live up to public expectations of being role models.

"Apart from playing table tennis well, you need to excel in many other things. As many people care about you and even emulate you, you need to do well in more aspects," he commented.