London 2012 quarter-finalist Tianyi raced into a three game lead before Jeong launched a spirited fightback to take the final to a decider.

Tianyi, however, maintained his composure, eventually claiming a 11-4, 11-9, 11-3, 10-12, 5-11, 10-12, 11-3 victory to seal only his second ITTF World Tour singles triumph.

The 26-year old has done well at doubles level alongside partner Tang Peng as the pair won three World Tour titles in 2010, but until the Hungary Open, success had proved elusive in singles competition, aside from taking the Brazilian Open crown in 2008.

Before the tournament in Budapest, Tianyi had never progressed past the semi-final stage of a World Tour event and his quarter-final appearance this time around was his first since November 2012.

In what was a match truly fitting of a final, Jeong looked down and out when he trailed 3-0 but he demonstrated his character and resilience by gradually clawing his way back into the contest.

Jeong Sang-eun was competing in only his second ITTF World Tour final but he could not quite claim the title despite a dramatic comeback from 3-0 down ©Getty Images



The South Korean, competing in just his second-ever ITTF World Tour final, reduced the deficit as he took the fourth game 12-10.

Jeong still had a long way to go if he was to produce the most dramatic of comebacks but it looked a real possibility when he won the fifth game 11-5 before another 12-10 success in the sixth set up a tense finale.

But Tianyi recovered to take the title by virtue of an 11-3 scoreline in the deciding game as the Korean fell short once again.

It was only the second time the two had met at an international tournament and the first meeting was also won by Tianyi by a 5-1 margin.

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