It was the 23 year old's first major world singles title and brings him one step closer to achieving his ultimate dream. 

"It is a big thrill for me to win my first major world title event here in Belgium," Xin said.

"This will give me a lot of confidence to fulfil my dreams of becoming world and Olympic champion.

"The 14-year gap between me and Samsonov gave me an advantage, as I was stronger and faster than him, which was the key to my victory.

"I respect Samsonov a lot to be still playing at such a high level at his age.

"He is a true legend."

The win gave Xu Xin his first men's singles title at a major championships

Samsonov, 37, is a veteran of the international table tennis scene, famous for being in the world's top 10 for 15 years, from 1996-2011.

The father of two played some of the best table tennis of his life to reach his fourth Men's World Cup final and says he is satisfied with his performance despite losing his first ever final.

"I had my chances in the fourth game at nine-all, but it was not to be and I lost my first Men's World Cup final," the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Athletes' Commission chairman explained.

"Overall, I'm satisfied with my performance; I feel I had two good wins here.

"Yesterday I beat Chuang Chih-yuan [Taiwan] and today Timo Boll [Germany] who I haven't beaten for five years.

"Also, it was good to play once again in Belgium; several years ago I played for La Villette Charleroi and my two children were both born here."

London 2012 bronze medallist Dimitrij Ovtcharov beat fellow German Boll in the bronze medal play off 4-1.

The victory gave him his best ever result at a World Cup and moves him ahead of his countryman into fifth in the world rankings.

"I am very proud to be the leading European player, this is the result of a lot of hard work," Ovtcharov said.

"Yes, I was disappointed I lost to Xu Xin this morning as I felt I had a real chance; playing the third place match is always hard but it's the Men's World Cup, you must prepare as any other match.

"The bronze medal match is an important match, but I hope I can come back next year and win the World Cup."

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