Top Chinese players teamed up with European players in the tournament after successfully playing alongside foreign players for the first time at the Korean Open in April this year.

And it was the pairing of the fifth and second-ranked players in the world respectively, Boll and Ma, that proved to be a formidable force, defeating their opponents comfortably by three games to one.

The pair dubbed "Longbo"' lost the first set 11-13 before storming back with three straight games, winning 11-8, 11-5, 11-6 to take the title in Changchun.

And the 32-year-old European number one Boll was delighted with his link-up with the Chinese sensation, and claimed that he hopes to have the opportunity to play alongside him again in the future.

"It was a lot of fun to play with Ma Long." he said.

"It was helpful to chat and learn about his style of play and thoughts about table tennis.

"I hope to play with him again soon as our styles matches perfectly - I play softer with more spin and placement.#

"Ma Long is the more powerful one.

"We understood each other well and we were very happy with the outcome."

Boll and Ma (right) were both delighted with their link-up and hope to play again together in the future after defeating Ovtcharov and Yan (left)

One title proved to be not enough for the Asian champion Ma, who returned to action on his own just half-an-hour after his doubles final with Boll to dish out a crushing defeat to compatriot and hometown favourite Wang Hao, winning in straight sets 11-8, 11-8, 11-2, 11-8 to take the men's singles crown.

Wang has proven to be somewhat of a bogey player for Ma in recent years after defeating him at the last three World Championships at the semi-final stage, but Ma was in irresistible form on this occasion, making no mistake as he comfortably overcame the world number four to clinch the double and his 15th singles World Tour gold medal.

"I am happy with my win in my home country." said Ma.

"This is my first main competition after the World Table Tennis Championships last month in Paris, but I feel that I played the key points well, which was vital to my victory.

"The victory is even more sweet after winning the doubles with my friend Timo Boll.

"After playing so many matches the last 3 days, I am now looking forward to having a rest tomorrow."

Li Xiaoxia kept up her fine run of form with victory in the women's singles at the China Open

In the women's tournament, reigning Olympic and world champion Li Xiaoxia of China continued her sensational form as she saw off veteran compatriot Guo Yan by four sets to one in the women's singles final, winning 11-8, 11-9, 11-4, 4-11, 11-5.

Following the final, Guo admitted that the tournament would likely be her last on the international circuit, and her opponent reserved praise for the 30-year-old as she made her final bow.

"This victory caps off a dream 12 months for me, after I won gold at London 2012 and my first World Championships gold last month in Paris" said Li.

"She [Guo] is an asset to the team and a true leader, so I hope that in the future she will continue to be a good coach and bring the Chinese team to greater heights."

Guo also competed in the doubles final with world number 12 Feng Yalan, but was defeated again by compatriots Guo Yue and World Championship silver medallist Liu Shiwen in straight sets.

"I'm happy to win the doubles again" said Guo Yue, who claimed hr 36th World Tour title today.

"We both prepared quite a lot, discussing and analysing our opponents and we are both very happy this paid off."

Liu added: "Guo Yue is a good doubles partner, so I let her take the lead, and I tried to match her style of play."

The ITTF World Tour's next stop is across the East China Sea in Yokohama, where the Japan Open will get underway on Wednesday (June 19).

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