OLOMOUC, Czech Republic, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Taipei's youngster Lin Yun-Ju advanced to the men's singles final by edging out the German table tennis veteran Timo Boll in the semi here on Sunday at ITTF World Tour Czech Open.

In about 35 minutes of play in the Omega Sports Center in Olomouc, German legend found life very difficult versus Chinese Taipei's Lin Yun-Ju.

The 18-year-old led Boll by 3-1 in the first four sets, leaving only 2 points for Boll in the third set. Boll fought back with two sets' win and pulled the game into the decider.

Lin showed no lack of composure against Boll, who is revered for it, refusing to let up and making sure his marvelous performance came to fruition. In a semi-final lasting nearly an hour, Lin came out on top and earned himself a spot in the final 4-3 (12-10, 9-11, 11-2, 11-6, 5-11, 6-11, 11-8).

Boll told Xinhua that he had won the match against Lin two years ago, but Lin has become a totally different player now by making a big step forward.

"He improves a lot and has a good mind, especially in the end he was risking a lot and made the shots. He deserved to win," said Boll.

Boll believed he had chances to win in the decider. "I was leading then, though it was a bit of a struggle. I was a bit unlucky in the last set. I appreciated playing against him, one of the future stars."

Explaining the reason why he only got two points in the third set, Boll said it was quick and dangerous play. "If you are not 100% on the game then he's killing you."

The 38-year-old German added that ten o'clock in the morning is not his favorite time to play. "I was a bit stiff in my back. After a few sets, it was OK. I was the first to warm up today. Maybe it was not enough. Maybe it's just the age."

"I'm happy to come back. I felt I'm back on the game. I have a high level to compete. That's the most important thing for me at the moment," Boll commented on himself at the Czech Open. Enditem

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