Despite all the pre-match talk of the intensity of the teams' rivalry and the potential for fireworks, the first half was a relatively tame affair - no doubt at least partly a result of the steady rain.
And though he had won professional tournaments prior to his partnership with Mr. Williams, some speculated that he lacked the intensity and urgency in his game to reach his potential.
Although figures are hard to come by, the intensity of their training programs indicates just how seriously the Chinese are taking a potential fairway to medals.