Top-seeded China's Xu Xin fought back from 2-3 down to defeat Olympic bronze medalist Dimitrij Ovtcharov of Germany 4-3 in the semifinals of the men's table tennis World Cup in Verviers, Belgium on Sunday.

"I think we put up a thrilling match for the fans today," said the 23-year-old Xu, who has yet to win a singles champion from the three major events: the Olympic Games, the World Championships and the World Cup.

"This is one of the most exciting matches in my career. Fortunately, I took my chance at the crucial moment."

Xu, who lost to fellow Chinese Ma Long in last year's semifinals, will vie for the title against three-time former World Cup champion Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus, who upset two-time winner Timo Boll of Germany 4-0 in the other semifinal.

Xinhua - Global Times