Jens Lundqvist’s Week 9 surge propels Portland Paddlers' division charge

Jens Lundqvist was named MLTT Player of the Week for Week 9 after an emphatic return to league play. Lundqvist won eight of nine singles matches during the stretch, his only setback an 8–11 loss to Alexandre Robinot, and his performance pushed his power rating to the top of the MLTT leaderboard.

The result had immediate impact on the Portland Paddlers' run. Lundqvist’s hot streak helped Portland record multiple undefeated weekends, strengthening their standing in the West Division and giving the team more favorable matchups as the season progresses. Teams and captains who set lineups closely watch power ratings; Lundqvist’s jump changes how opponents will plan placement and who Portland can rely on in tight team ties.

Week 9 brought other strong individual showings, with Hiromitsu Kasahara, Kayama Yu, and Alexandre Robinot listed among the nominees. Those performances underline the depth of competition in the division, but Lundqvist’s reliability in singles play — and the fact he returned after a layoff — made his run stand out. His previous MLTT match before this stretch was on Sept. 7, making the comeback noteworthy for players tracking rust, match sharpness, and how quickly world-class veterans can reassert themselves in league formats.

For players and fans, Lundqvist’s week offers several takeaways. First, power rating movement can be swift: a dominant local stretch can leapfrog a player into contention and alter team strategies. Second, watching match film or live streams of high-intensity singles gives clear examples of how to pressure opponents early in rallies and exploit service patterns that yield quick points. Matches from Week 9 are available to stream on TableTennis.TV, so coaches and competitors can study the rallies that produced Lundqvist’s wins.

Portland’s momentum now hinges on maintaining depth around their top board. Lundqvist’s presence eases pressure on teammates but also means opponents will look for tactical answers, such as increased placement variation or targeting his return game. For followers of the MLTT season, Lundqvist’s rise is a clear signal that the West Division race will be contested through the bottom of the lineup as well as at the top.

Expect attention on upcoming matchups where Lundqvist’s power rating and form will be tested against the division’s best. Fans should tune into TableTennis.TV to see whether this Week 9 surge becomes a sustained run into the playoffs or a brief, brilliant spell that reshuffles the late-season pecking order.