| One of the world's most popular and talented table tennis players Michael MAZE has announced his retirement from the sport at 34 years of age. "The time has come", stated the Danish legend on his official facebook page. "I have made the most difficult decision of my career. My time as a top table tennis player has come to an end!" "In consultation with my doctors and management, we came to this very difficult decision", explained MAZE. "I had hoped to compete at this summer's Olympic Games in Rio but my body just can't take it anymore. After several operations, I can no longer train one hundred percent without pain and therefore not compete at the level I'm used to." "I want to thank especially my family, friends, and my sponsors Freklame A/S, Butterfly and 'NaturEnergi, as well as my fans from the bottom of my heart. I'm forever grateful for all the support given throughout my whole career", concluded MAZE. MAZE's crowning achievement was becoming the 2009 European Champion, beating the 2003 World Champion Werner SCHLAGER (AUT) in the final, and winning bronze with Finn TUGWELL in the Men's Doubles event at Athens 2004 Olympic Games However, whatever accolades MAZE has to his name, he will be remembered most of all for one match and perhaps for one point above all others. At the 2005 World Table Tennis Championships in Shanghai, he had caused a major upset in the fourth round by beating the host nation's WANG Hao in four straight games. In the next round, the quarter-finals, MAZE faced a relative newcomer to the Chinese National Team, HAO Shuai. The odds were stacked against Michael Maze, he had played HAO Shuai on two previous occasions and lost. It seemed he was odds on to lose a fourth when, having lost the first three games, he trailed 7-9 in the fourth and served into the net, giving the Chinese star three match points. MAZE managed to saved two match points but the end seemed nigh as with the score at 10-9. Once again MAZE was pinned to the court surrounds. The only way for the Dane to return the ball was to lean forward, fall on his knees and scrape a return. Hao Shuai panicked, an attempted forehand smash, flew high and wide. After saving these three match points MAZE progressed to win the game and the next three to secure the match to give MAZE legendary status despite losing in the semi finals to MA Lin. Watch this amazing match here: https://youtu.be/vgwXOWR2SAM. Thank you for the memories Michael, you will be greatly missed!
Check out the best moment's of MAZE's carrer by watching the official tribute video: https://youtu.be/CMKidLIWxag. | 
