The world number two beat compatriot Xu Xin 13-11, 3-11, 11-1, 11-7, 11-9 in the final to claim his 18th World Tour title, having won his first in Kuwait in 2007, and move him a step closer to the record mark of 25 set by Belarusian legend Vladimir Samsonov.

Ma, appearing in his 28th World Tour final, is likely to overtake Xu as world number one when the rankings are released next month as he continues his preparations for the 2015 ITTF World Championships, due to take place in Suzhou from April 26 to May 3. 

"I was feeling in good shape; I know Xu Xin has changed the rubber on his racket so he was not at his best," said the 26-year-old.

"The win for me is another step towards the World Championships, but now I will take a few days off for the Chinese New Year [on Thursday February 19]."

Meanwhile, in the women's final, world and Olympic champion Li Xiaoxia of China gained revenge on her fellow countrywoman Ding Ning, who she lost to in the 2014 Women's World Cup final, by defeating her rival 11-5, 11-8, 11-4, 8-11, 11-5.

The 27-year-old's victory was her first ever at the Kuwait Open, and her 10th ITTF World Tour title overall.

China's Li Xiaoxia won the women's final beating compatriot Ding Ning ©Getty Images



"I've not been able to practice for the past few months, I have had a back injury," said Li who had been struggling for form in recent months.

"It's only a few days ago that I was really able to practice properly; as the tournament progressed, I felt I was playing better and better.

"Of course I am focused on the World Championships and hope to achieve a good result there."

The Chinese Taipei duo of Chiang Hung-Chieh and Huang Sheng-Sheng upset their more fancied Chinese rivals Zhang Jike and Xu to claim the men's doubles crown 11-8, 11-7, 3-11, 13-11.

In the equivalent women's event, the Chinese pair of Zhu Yuling and Ding were too good for Han Ying and Irene Ivancan of Germany, winning 11-3, 11-6, 11-9. 

Denmark's Zhai Yujia and Hong Kong's Doo Hoi Kem rounded off the medals, by winning the respective men's and women's under-21 titles.

There is no rest for the world's best table tennis players, as they now head straight to Doha for the 2015 World Tour Super Series Qatar Open, which is due to start on Tuesday (February 17) and conclude on Sunday (February 22).

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