China's Lin, Kuai retain mixed doubles title at WTT Europe Smash Sweden

China's Lin Shidong and Kuai Man retained the mixed doubles title at the WTT Europe Smash Sweden on Friday, lifting a record-tying fifth trophy at the Grand Smash level.

Heading into the championship contest in Malmo, all signs pointed to a victory for Lin and Kuai. The two are serial winners, having previously triumphed in 16 of their 18 appearances together in mixed doubles finals.

In their four previous Grand Smash mixed doubles title matches, Lin and Kuai had never been pushed to five games. They remained true to form, even as the World No. 5 pair battled back from one game down to beat the Hong Kong SAR's Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem 3-1 (4-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6) in this final, drawing level with compatriots Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha for the most all-time Grand Smash mixed doubles titles.

Lin admitted he and Kuai were "a bit overwhelmed" in the opening game, before switching tactics and ending up on solid footing.

"Our opponents were in very good form today," he said. "From the second game, we made some adjustments, communicated more with each other and gradually found our rhythm."