Segun TORIOLA, Nigeria against Jean-Michel SAIVE, Belgium; it was the match of the eighth day in the Peking University venue. The probable best African player is only number 115 in the world ranking, but never in his match against SAIVE (no. 26) there was a visible difference. The match in the night session (starting time 22:00) was the most attractive so far at the Olympic Games and the patient spectators did not regret their stay. “I never played so well, my forehand was very good”, Segun TORIOLA said after the match. “I’m the first one in Africa to have stepped into the top 32.”
Saive’s Last Olympics?
Jean-Michel SAIVE was in a different mood after the match. “I’m very disappointed about the results today. I knew it could be a tough match. When I led 7-1 in the last game, I thought I could win.” Of course the six times Olympian was also asked on whether this was his last Olympics. “I don’t know. I’m 39 in November, and it’s probably my last Olympics. But I’ll continue to play. If I’m still able to play in two years’ time, I will try to get into the next Olympics. It’s much too early to say today, isn’t it?”
Aussie Player Close to Sensation
Australia’s William HENZELL was close to creating the biggest sensation of the day. The 26 year old was leading 3-1 in games against YOON Jae Young (KOR), bronze medallist in the Men’s team event. HENZELL did not show any respect and bothered YOON with his unorthodox services.
”I’m pretty disappointed, but I played two of my best matches (against Jens LUNDQVIST, Sweden and YOON Jae Young, Korea). I felt as though the fourth game was really important to win. But after that YOON fought back hard and played much better than he did in the first half. He has a very good serve and an excellent topspin on his first ball, he made it very hard.”
Two North Korean Men still in the Draw
The players from Korea DPR are mostly unknown and not that high ranked in the ITTF World Ranking. Today they proved that they are absolutely competitive, even on the world stage. KIM Hyok Bong (no. 101) overcame CHIANG Peng-Lung (Chinese Taipei, no. 23) and defensive player JANG Song Man (103) eliminated Spain’s HE Zhi Wen (no. 37). KIM will face Germany’s Timo BOLL in the round of the last 32; JANG will challenge Hong Kong’s LI Ching.
Asian Women Dominating
The women’s draw is in Asian hands. The second round was the final destination for all European players. The only European exceptions were LI Jie and LI Jiao from the Netherlands as well as LI Qiangbing (AUT). However, all of the three ladies were born in China. GAO Jun, WANG Chen (both USA) and WU Xue (DOM) also represent a country outside of Asia. Yet they all have an Asian background too.
The Chinese top players made a short shrift of their opponents. ZHANG Yining, WANG Nan as well as GUO Yue conceded no single game. “The atmosphere at the Singles event is very different”, GUO Yue, world singles champion 2007, said after the match. “I feel that I performed pretty well today. I demonstrated my skills from training.”
onsdag 20 augusti 2008
tisdag 19 augusti 2008
Tops and Flops of the First Singles Round
After the Olympic Team events, the men and women played on four tables match after match today. The sophisticated system in the Singles event best female players will only have to compete from tomorrow and the top seeded men from the day after tomorrow.
The matches today were already contested and brought several surprises:
Tops:
First Portuguese Victory in the Olympic Table Tennis History
Portugal is not known to be a table tennis superpower. However, there are three players competing in Beijing. It is the first time that the Iberians have players in an Olympic draw. While Thiago APOLONIA and Joao MONTEIRO lost their matches, Marcos FREITAS wrote Portuguese table tennis history. The youngest of the trio (20 years old) overcame Egypt’s El-Sayed LASHIN 4-1 and is the first Portuguese to win a table tennis match at Olympic Games.
African Hard Worker Recompensed for Extra Hours
Nigeria’s Segun TORIOLA is probably the best African player at the present time. Only ranked 115th in the ITTF World Ranking, the 33 year right-hander had to play the preliminary round. TORIOLA overcame the only US player David ZHUANG in the men’s draw with four games to three in the afternoon and later Portugal’s Joao MONTEIRO (no. 60) again with 4-3. ”I didn’t play so well this morning. I don’t know why. It’s the Olympics. The Olympics is different from another event in Table Tennis”, Segun TORIOLA said after the match. His opponent in the second round will be Jean-Michel SAIVE, Belgium.
Late Bloomer from the Czech Republic
Dana HADACOVA is nearly 25 years old, number 215 in the world and number three in her country. That is no reason for her to give up. After her unexpected last minute qualification for the Olympic Games, she is still able to surprise. Today HADACOVA beat Veronika PAVLOVICH (no. 83) from Belarus. “It’s just unbelievable. I’m so happy. Today I couldn’t do short service, but I kept playing and when I won the fourth game, I believed I could win.”
Flops:
Swedish Deception
Jens LUNDQVIST may not be as talented as his compatriots Jan-Ove WALDNER or Jörgen PERSSON, but for sure he is a player meant to survive the first round of an Olympic tournament. Today LUNDQVIST lost to Australia’s William HENZELL. The irony of the story is that HENZELL has been living and practicing for many years in… Sweden.
Black Day for French Men – Chila Retires
The afternoon session was pure sadness for the French players. Christophe LEGOUT lost 4-2 against Vietnam’s DOAN Kien Quoc, who is 171 ranks behind the Frenchman in the ITTF World Ranking.
The second French player, Patrick CHILA, was on the way to the second round of the Men’s Singles event. However, CHILA’s opponent Janos JAKAB proved a good spirit at his first Olympic Games. The 22 year old Hungarian won 11-9 in the seventh game. CHILA said after the match: “It is the first time in my career that I have lost from 3-0 lead. He played some really crazy points and it was all up in the air at 3-3 and he just came trough. I’m really disappointed; I’m 39 years now and it was my last international game, so it wasn’t the best way to finish.”
Russian Women Eliminated
None of Svetlana GANINA, Irina KOTIKHINA and Oksana FADEEVA will play the second round of the Women’s Singles event. KOTIKHINA lost 3-4 to Australia’s MIAO Miao, FADEEVA 0-4 against Italy’s STEFANOVA Nikoleta and GANINA could not even play due to an injury. What a deception for the host of the 2010 World Table Tennis Championships!
The matches today were already contested and brought several surprises:
Tops:
First Portuguese Victory in the Olympic Table Tennis History
Portugal is not known to be a table tennis superpower. However, there are three players competing in Beijing. It is the first time that the Iberians have players in an Olympic draw. While Thiago APOLONIA and Joao MONTEIRO lost their matches, Marcos FREITAS wrote Portuguese table tennis history. The youngest of the trio (20 years old) overcame Egypt’s El-Sayed LASHIN 4-1 and is the first Portuguese to win a table tennis match at Olympic Games.
African Hard Worker Recompensed for Extra Hours
Nigeria’s Segun TORIOLA is probably the best African player at the present time. Only ranked 115th in the ITTF World Ranking, the 33 year right-hander had to play the preliminary round. TORIOLA overcame the only US player David ZHUANG in the men’s draw with four games to three in the afternoon and later Portugal’s Joao MONTEIRO (no. 60) again with 4-3. ”I didn’t play so well this morning. I don’t know why. It’s the Olympics. The Olympics is different from another event in Table Tennis”, Segun TORIOLA said after the match. His opponent in the second round will be Jean-Michel SAIVE, Belgium.
Late Bloomer from the Czech Republic
Dana HADACOVA is nearly 25 years old, number 215 in the world and number three in her country. That is no reason for her to give up. After her unexpected last minute qualification for the Olympic Games, she is still able to surprise. Today HADACOVA beat Veronika PAVLOVICH (no. 83) from Belarus. “It’s just unbelievable. I’m so happy. Today I couldn’t do short service, but I kept playing and when I won the fourth game, I believed I could win.”
Flops:
Swedish Deception
Jens LUNDQVIST may not be as talented as his compatriots Jan-Ove WALDNER or Jörgen PERSSON, but for sure he is a player meant to survive the first round of an Olympic tournament. Today LUNDQVIST lost to Australia’s William HENZELL. The irony of the story is that HENZELL has been living and practicing for many years in… Sweden.
Black Day for French Men – Chila Retires
The afternoon session was pure sadness for the French players. Christophe LEGOUT lost 4-2 against Vietnam’s DOAN Kien Quoc, who is 171 ranks behind the Frenchman in the ITTF World Ranking.
The second French player, Patrick CHILA, was on the way to the second round of the Men’s Singles event. However, CHILA’s opponent Janos JAKAB proved a good spirit at his first Olympic Games. The 22 year old Hungarian won 11-9 in the seventh game. CHILA said after the match: “It is the first time in my career that I have lost from 3-0 lead. He played some really crazy points and it was all up in the air at 3-3 and he just came trough. I’m really disappointed; I’m 39 years now and it was my last international game, so it wasn’t the best way to finish.”
Russian Women Eliminated
None of Svetlana GANINA, Irina KOTIKHINA and Oksana FADEEVA will play the second round of the Women’s Singles event. KOTIKHINA lost 3-4 to Australia’s MIAO Miao, FADEEVA 0-4 against Italy’s STEFANOVA Nikoleta and GANINA could not even play due to an injury. What a deception for the host of the 2010 World Table Tennis Championships!
söndag 17 augusti 2008
China’s Women Resist the Pressure and Win Gold
Under the eyes of China’s President HU Jintao and IOC President Jacques ROGGE, the Chinese women’s team overcame Singapore in the final of the Women’s Team event. It was the first table tennis team event at Olympic Games. The Chinese serial winner took another gold medal but the incredible frame in the venue at Peking University Gymnasium made this title something special.
Rematch from Guangzhou Underlines China’s Dominance
The squad from coach SHI Zhihao played in the final against Singapore. It was the rematch of the final at the Evergrande World Table Tennis Championships staged in Guangzhou, China on 1st March 2008.
The Chinese team consisting of ZHANG Yining, world number one, GUO Yue (no. 2) and WANG Nan (no. 5) prevailed sovereign against LI Jia Wei (no. 6), WANG Yue Gu (no. 7), FENG Tianwei (no. 9).
WANG Nan as well as ZHANG Yining started nervously and lost the first games of their matches against FENG Tianwei and LI Jia Wei respectively. Both, WANG and ZHANG were able to change the gear and FENG’s as well as LI’s resistance was then useless.
An Impressive Chinese Generation
The third point for China and the final decision in favour of the hosts made ZHANG Yining and GUO Yue in the doubles. For the 26 year old ZHANG Yining it is already the third gold medal at her second Olympic participation. Never in her life so far has she contested an Olympic event without winning gold.
WANG Nan’s Olympic collection newly consists of four gold medals; therewith she equalises China’s legend DENG Yaping. GUO Yue is only twenty years of age. However, her record is impressive. She is reigning world singles and world team champion and now also Olympic team champion.
Statements about the Final
LIU Guodong, Coach Singapore:
On winning the silver medal:“Both China and Singapore are winners. For us to win silver is as difficult as it is for China to win gold. It’s impossible to beat China. We prepared for the other teams. We met many opponents that we did not want to meet, but we managed to win against them all.”
LI Jia Wei, Singapore:“I am very excited to win the silver medal as it is my way of repaying Singapore for having confidence in me and grooming me all these years. I’m really happy and feel like crying, but I just could not get any tears to roll.”
On the match results:“I am very satisfied. After all, China is the strongest team. We have defeated the other teams, and have completed our mission here.”
SHI Zhihao, Coach China:
On the team’s performance:
“I am very excited for my team’s win today. This is the first time for China to win the Olympic Women’s table tennis team gold medal. This is a very significant day for China. Today, my players performed excellently.”
WANG Nan, China:
On the Chinese Women’s team’s win:
“As table tennis is China’s national sport, everyone expects China to win gold. I was very nervous but as soon as I got involved in the match, I lost all my nervousness.”
Rematch from Guangzhou Underlines China’s Dominance
The squad from coach SHI Zhihao played in the final against Singapore. It was the rematch of the final at the Evergrande World Table Tennis Championships staged in Guangzhou, China on 1st March 2008.
The Chinese team consisting of ZHANG Yining, world number one, GUO Yue (no. 2) and WANG Nan (no. 5) prevailed sovereign against LI Jia Wei (no. 6), WANG Yue Gu (no. 7), FENG Tianwei (no. 9).
WANG Nan as well as ZHANG Yining started nervously and lost the first games of their matches against FENG Tianwei and LI Jia Wei respectively. Both, WANG and ZHANG were able to change the gear and FENG’s as well as LI’s resistance was then useless.
An Impressive Chinese Generation
The third point for China and the final decision in favour of the hosts made ZHANG Yining and GUO Yue in the doubles. For the 26 year old ZHANG Yining it is already the third gold medal at her second Olympic participation. Never in her life so far has she contested an Olympic event without winning gold.
WANG Nan’s Olympic collection newly consists of four gold medals; therewith she equalises China’s legend DENG Yaping. GUO Yue is only twenty years of age. However, her record is impressive. She is reigning world singles and world team champion and now also Olympic team champion.
Statements about the Final
LIU Guodong, Coach Singapore:
On winning the silver medal:“Both China and Singapore are winners. For us to win silver is as difficult as it is for China to win gold. It’s impossible to beat China. We prepared for the other teams. We met many opponents that we did not want to meet, but we managed to win against them all.”
LI Jia Wei, Singapore:“I am very excited to win the silver medal as it is my way of repaying Singapore for having confidence in me and grooming me all these years. I’m really happy and feel like crying, but I just could not get any tears to roll.”
On the match results:“I am very satisfied. After all, China is the strongest team. We have defeated the other teams, and have completed our mission here.”
SHI Zhihao, Coach China:
On the team’s performance:
“I am very excited for my team’s win today. This is the first time for China to win the Olympic Women’s table tennis team gold medal. This is a very significant day for China. Today, my players performed excellently.”
WANG Nan, China:
On the Chinese Women’s team’s win:
“As table tennis is China’s national sport, everyone expects China to win gold. I was very nervous but as soon as I got involved in the match, I lost all my nervousness.”
Austria Plays the Korean Republic for Bronze
The two contests in the Men’s Team event bronze medal playoff today at Peking University Gymnasium had a very high playing level. Austria beat Japan 3-1, in spite of KAN Yo’s 3-0 win in the opening match against 2003 world singles champion Werner SCHLAGER. In the second match, 19 year old MIZUTANI Jun was not able to break the defensive wall CHEN Weixing. The Chinese-born Austrian won 3-0. “I lost, because, I was so tired of last night’s match”, said MIZUTANI.
Victory with 147 to 141 Points for Lucky Austrians
The decisive match was the doubles. The Robert GARDOS and CHEN Weixing beat 2004 world junior champions in doubles MIZUTANI Jun and KISHIKAWA Seiya. The fifth game ended 14-12 with two points on a net roller, which just fell down on the other side of the net with no chance to return for the Japanese pair.
World number 47 Robert GARDOS finalised the Austrian triumph by beating world number 19 KAN Yo with 3-1. After one hour and 48 minutes, Austria won 3-1 scoring 147 against 141 points for the Japanese. Match winner Robert GARDOS said about his win against KAN Yo. ”Since I was very happy about our result of the doubles, I felt that I could potentially play well in my singles match. Even though I had great confidence after my performance in the doubles, it was hard to calm down because the doubles was such a big match.”
Bronze Medal Favourite Prevails
Korea Republic is only one step away from an Olympic medal. The team from coach YOO Nam Kyu beat Hong Kong China in the other bronze medal playoff contest 3-1. OH San Eun won 3-1 against CHEUNG Yuk proving his excellent shape once again. LI Ching (no. 11) equalised winning against the reigning Olympic champion RYU Seung Min (no. 8) in a match with lots of magnificent rallies. A full Peking Gymnasium applauded enthusiastically.
Korean Comebacks
The doubles match was crucial with the Korean pair YOON Jae Young/RYU Seung Min being down 0-2 turning the match against 2004 vice Olympic champions LI Ching / KO Lai Chak. In the fourth match OH Sang Eun lost the first two games, but again it turned in favour of Korea. Hong Kong’s KO Lai Chak felt accordingly. “I am very disappointed” said the 32 year old afterwards. “In the doubles and in my single I lead 2-0 and lost.”
OH won in the fifth game 11-3 to secure the 3-1 victory for his team after two hours and 24 minutes. The bronze medal contest between Austria and Korea will be played on Monday 18th August at 14:30.
Victory with 147 to 141 Points for Lucky Austrians
The decisive match was the doubles. The Robert GARDOS and CHEN Weixing beat 2004 world junior champions in doubles MIZUTANI Jun and KISHIKAWA Seiya. The fifth game ended 14-12 with two points on a net roller, which just fell down on the other side of the net with no chance to return for the Japanese pair.
World number 47 Robert GARDOS finalised the Austrian triumph by beating world number 19 KAN Yo with 3-1. After one hour and 48 minutes, Austria won 3-1 scoring 147 against 141 points for the Japanese. Match winner Robert GARDOS said about his win against KAN Yo. ”Since I was very happy about our result of the doubles, I felt that I could potentially play well in my singles match. Even though I had great confidence after my performance in the doubles, it was hard to calm down because the doubles was such a big match.”
Bronze Medal Favourite Prevails
Korea Republic is only one step away from an Olympic medal. The team from coach YOO Nam Kyu beat Hong Kong China in the other bronze medal playoff contest 3-1. OH San Eun won 3-1 against CHEUNG Yuk proving his excellent shape once again. LI Ching (no. 11) equalised winning against the reigning Olympic champion RYU Seung Min (no. 8) in a match with lots of magnificent rallies. A full Peking Gymnasium applauded enthusiastically.
Korean Comebacks
The doubles match was crucial with the Korean pair YOON Jae Young/RYU Seung Min being down 0-2 turning the match against 2004 vice Olympic champions LI Ching / KO Lai Chak. In the fourth match OH Sang Eun lost the first two games, but again it turned in favour of Korea. Hong Kong’s KO Lai Chak felt accordingly. “I am very disappointed” said the 32 year old afterwards. “In the doubles and in my single I lead 2-0 and lost.”
OH won in the fifth game 11-3 to secure the 3-1 victory for his team after two hours and 24 minutes. The bronze medal contest between Austria and Korea will be played on Monday 18th August at 14:30.
lördag 16 augusti 2008
Korea Republic and Japan will Play for the Bronze Medal
The 2nd playoff round, which leads the teams towards the bronze medal, took place this morning. There were the teams of Japan and Korea Republic that went out victorious of their duels with Hong Kong China and the USA respectively.
Japanese Emotions
They cried a lot – tears of joy. The Japanese women couldn’t hide their emotions. They realised an exploit by beating Hong Kong China.
“We were extremely emotional, because we have never expected that we could beat Hong Kong China”, explained FUKUHARA Ai, the Japanese flag bearer last week. “I felt that my team-mates were free of stress and burden, and their performances were excellent. We are exhilarated that we beat Hong Kong China, a strong opponent.”
The Japanese coach, KONDO Kinji considered that the double had been decisive to overcome Hong Kong China. ”I put FUKUHARA and HIRANO in the doubles because I knew that it would be the critical match. It proved to be the right decision. As a doubles pair, FUKUHARA and HIRANO beat ZHANG Yining and WANG Nan (CHN) in the Austrian open last year.”
The final victory of 3-2 offers to the Japanese now the possibility to compete for the bronze medal against Korea Republic. After the defeat 3-0 against the Koreans during the first round, KONDO Kinji (JPN) has now to find the keys for revenge.
”I will have to go back to the Athletes’ Village and think long and hard over our strategy. I actually think it will be an easy match for us because our players are in very good spirits.”
Korea Republic without Trembling
Beaten yesterday evening by Singapore after an intense fight (4 hours and 20 minutes), the Koreans kept up the possibility to play for the bronze medal.
”We played for such a long time yesterday and I didn’t predict that to happen, so today against the USA we made sure we were well prepared”, said KIM Kyung Ah, the Korean chopper. “We focused very hard on our doubles match because it is the most important but when we were down 2-1 we felt a lot of pressure. I was in a good state during my singles match and I played strongly in the doubles, but I was also a little lucky.”
The players of coach HYUN Jung Hwa (KOR) perfectly well negotiated their contest against the Americans. On what they focused on leading up to the match, HYUN said: “They have very strong players so we prepared a lot, especially in the doubles.” A doubles match that allowed the Koreans to overcome the US team 3-0. The Americans, however, can be satisfied with their overall performance in Beijing.
Japanese Emotions
They cried a lot – tears of joy. The Japanese women couldn’t hide their emotions. They realised an exploit by beating Hong Kong China.
“We were extremely emotional, because we have never expected that we could beat Hong Kong China”, explained FUKUHARA Ai, the Japanese flag bearer last week. “I felt that my team-mates were free of stress and burden, and their performances were excellent. We are exhilarated that we beat Hong Kong China, a strong opponent.”
The Japanese coach, KONDO Kinji considered that the double had been decisive to overcome Hong Kong China. ”I put FUKUHARA and HIRANO in the doubles because I knew that it would be the critical match. It proved to be the right decision. As a doubles pair, FUKUHARA and HIRANO beat ZHANG Yining and WANG Nan (CHN) in the Austrian open last year.”
The final victory of 3-2 offers to the Japanese now the possibility to compete for the bronze medal against Korea Republic. After the defeat 3-0 against the Koreans during the first round, KONDO Kinji (JPN) has now to find the keys for revenge.
”I will have to go back to the Athletes’ Village and think long and hard over our strategy. I actually think it will be an easy match for us because our players are in very good spirits.”
Korea Republic without Trembling
Beaten yesterday evening by Singapore after an intense fight (4 hours and 20 minutes), the Koreans kept up the possibility to play for the bronze medal.
”We played for such a long time yesterday and I didn’t predict that to happen, so today against the USA we made sure we were well prepared”, said KIM Kyung Ah, the Korean chopper. “We focused very hard on our doubles match because it is the most important but when we were down 2-1 we felt a lot of pressure. I was in a good state during my singles match and I played strongly in the doubles, but I was also a little lucky.”
The players of coach HYUN Jung Hwa (KOR) perfectly well negotiated their contest against the Americans. On what they focused on leading up to the match, HYUN said: “They have very strong players so we prepared a lot, especially in the doubles.” A doubles match that allowed the Koreans to overcome the US team 3-0. The Americans, however, can be satisfied with their overall performance in Beijing.
Singapore Fighting Hard – Chinese Express Unstoppable
The women’s team from Singapore is in the Olympic final of the Women’s Team event. The team from coach LIU Guodong beat Korea Republic 3-2 after 3 hours and 13 minutes. The Koreans have never been ahead during the final but proved a good fighting spirit.
Match-winner Feng Tianwei
In the opening match, Singapore’s FENG Tianwei smashed DANG Ye Seo. Defensive player KIM Kung Ah brought Korea back on track winning 11-9 in the fifth game against LI Jia Wei. "I am sorry I lost the first match, but I played well in the double”, LI Jia Wei said apologising. The double went 3-0 to Singapore. “Their style in double is very awkward. We lost to them last time we played I am really happy we won this time. We fought to today’s contest as it was the final”, LI was quotes after the match.
DANG Ye Seo, world ranked no. 26 beat WANG Yue Gu (no. 7) in the forth match in three close games. The last match between Korea’s second defensive player PARK Mi Young and FENG Tianwei therefore had to decide about who will play the final on Sunday.
“I am excited now”, a happy FENG Tianwei told journalists after she had beaten PARK 3-1. “It is our team efforts that have won the contest. Everybody has to put in its best. After I lost the third set, I had to be patient and wait for an opportunity to attack. Everyone was nervous and remaining calm during the battle proved an advantage to me."
China in 52 Minutes
The second semi-final in the evening session was precisely the opposite of the first one. China’s women proved once again their superiority. World number one ZHANG Yining started irresistibly conceding her adversary TIE Yana (no. 10) only 14 points in three games.
China’s express rolled on with world number two and reigning world singles champion GUO Yue. The twenty year old never let a doubt against LIN Ling that she would win the mach.
Chapter three in a one-sided semi-final wrote again ZHANG Yining with her partner WANG Nan (no. 5 in the world). LAU Sui Fei and LIN Ling only had a small chance in the second game when it was 9-9. If China plays the same way on Sunday, the chances that the gold medal goes to Singapore will only be minimal.
Voices after the Match China vs. Hong Kong China
Singapore’s LIN Ling was very honest after the defeat against China. “After today’s contest, it is obvious that there is still a significant gap between their skills and ours.”
Coach LI Huifen also had to admit: “We have evolved and improved, but China has improved greatly too. We have changed our battle tactics but they (China) seem to be always one step ahead of us.”
China’s coach SHI Zhihao said: “We are familiar with the Hong Kong China team. I guess you can say that they did not play to their full capability today. Both technically and mentally, our team members prepared well.” The coach further took pressure from the shoulders of his protégées for the final. “We are not playing to ‘protect’ Gold. It is the first time there has been a Team Gold in (Olympic) table tennis. So we are playing to ‘gain’ Gold.”
World number one ZHANG Yining was quoted: “I don’t think we played perfectly. I just played according to my style. I thought about every ball and my technique rather than about the opponent.” GUO Yue however confessed: “It was easier than I expected.”
Match-winner Feng Tianwei
In the opening match, Singapore’s FENG Tianwei smashed DANG Ye Seo. Defensive player KIM Kung Ah brought Korea back on track winning 11-9 in the fifth game against LI Jia Wei. "I am sorry I lost the first match, but I played well in the double”, LI Jia Wei said apologising. The double went 3-0 to Singapore. “Their style in double is very awkward. We lost to them last time we played I am really happy we won this time. We fought to today’s contest as it was the final”, LI was quotes after the match.
DANG Ye Seo, world ranked no. 26 beat WANG Yue Gu (no. 7) in the forth match in three close games. The last match between Korea’s second defensive player PARK Mi Young and FENG Tianwei therefore had to decide about who will play the final on Sunday.
“I am excited now”, a happy FENG Tianwei told journalists after she had beaten PARK 3-1. “It is our team efforts that have won the contest. Everybody has to put in its best. After I lost the third set, I had to be patient and wait for an opportunity to attack. Everyone was nervous and remaining calm during the battle proved an advantage to me."
China in 52 Minutes
The second semi-final in the evening session was precisely the opposite of the first one. China’s women proved once again their superiority. World number one ZHANG Yining started irresistibly conceding her adversary TIE Yana (no. 10) only 14 points in three games.
China’s express rolled on with world number two and reigning world singles champion GUO Yue. The twenty year old never let a doubt against LIN Ling that she would win the mach.
Chapter three in a one-sided semi-final wrote again ZHANG Yining with her partner WANG Nan (no. 5 in the world). LAU Sui Fei and LIN Ling only had a small chance in the second game when it was 9-9. If China plays the same way on Sunday, the chances that the gold medal goes to Singapore will only be minimal.
Voices after the Match China vs. Hong Kong China
Singapore’s LIN Ling was very honest after the defeat against China. “After today’s contest, it is obvious that there is still a significant gap between their skills and ours.”
Coach LI Huifen also had to admit: “We have evolved and improved, but China has improved greatly too. We have changed our battle tactics but they (China) seem to be always one step ahead of us.”
China’s coach SHI Zhihao said: “We are familiar with the Hong Kong China team. I guess you can say that they did not play to their full capability today. Both technically and mentally, our team members prepared well.” The coach further took pressure from the shoulders of his protégées for the final. “We are not playing to ‘protect’ Gold. It is the first time there has been a Team Gold in (Olympic) table tennis. So we are playing to ‘gain’ Gold.”
World number one ZHANG Yining was quoted: “I don’t think we played perfectly. I just played according to my style. I thought about every ball and my technique rather than about the opponent.” GUO Yue however confessed: “It was easier than I expected.”
Hong Kong and Austria Can Still Win the Bronze Medal
Austria’s and Hong Kong China’s male players will have to wait until tomorrow evening to know their opponents. Both teams passed their first hurdle on the way to the bronze medal. Austria will face on Sunday the loser of the contest between Germany and Japan while Hong Kong China will play against either China or Korea Republic.
One Asian Duel…
At 09:00 a.m. this morning the second round started to with four teams focused on the bronze medal. These four teams that finished second in their respective groups have to win twice to play the bronze medal contest.
Hong Kong China against Chinese Taipei was the Asian duel that Hong Kong China won relatively easy in spite of the good resistance of de CHIANG Peng-Lung against LI Ching (13-11 in the fifth game).
“I started a little bit slow and my opponent was very strong, so I tried to take the initiative”, said LI Ching (HKG) after the contest. “I focused on how to win the point and how to figure out the direction of the balls, and attacked hard to win points. It was a match between penholders. Both of us wanted to take the initiative and win points by attacking. So the mental state was more important. When I was up 10-8 in the third game, I was a little careless, so I lost that one. Luckily, I kept my mind on the ball and calmed down.”
For the trainer CHAN Kong Wah (HKG), it was the tactic choice that allowed to take the victory. ”CHUAN Chih-Yuan (TPE) beat RYU Seung Min (KOR) yesterday, so we made special arrangements so that LI Ching (HKG) avoided CHUAN Chi-Yuan. It proved successful.”
…and One European Duel
The other contest was more indecisive between the Croats and the Austrians but only from the 3rd match. After the fast victories of Werner SCHLAGER (AUT) over TAN Ruiwu (CRO) and CHEN Weixing (AUT) over Zoran PRIMORAC (CRO), Croatia managed to win the doubles and to boost the contest.
The Austrian pair consisted of CHEN and Robert GARDOS (AUT) lost in the decisive fifth game 10-12 against GACINA and TAN (CRO). SCHLAGER had to come back to the table to compete against Andrej GACINA (CRO), who contested his first singles match in Beijing. ”It was a very close contest. They were fighting with good skills. Andrej GACINA (CRO) is a good fighter and has a bright future,” said Ferenc KARSAI, the coach from Austria very satisfied with SCHLAGER’s (3-1) success synonym of the qualification for the following tour.
One Asian Duel…
At 09:00 a.m. this morning the second round started to with four teams focused on the bronze medal. These four teams that finished second in their respective groups have to win twice to play the bronze medal contest.
Hong Kong China against Chinese Taipei was the Asian duel that Hong Kong China won relatively easy in spite of the good resistance of de CHIANG Peng-Lung against LI Ching (13-11 in the fifth game).
“I started a little bit slow and my opponent was very strong, so I tried to take the initiative”, said LI Ching (HKG) after the contest. “I focused on how to win the point and how to figure out the direction of the balls, and attacked hard to win points. It was a match between penholders. Both of us wanted to take the initiative and win points by attacking. So the mental state was more important. When I was up 10-8 in the third game, I was a little careless, so I lost that one. Luckily, I kept my mind on the ball and calmed down.”
For the trainer CHAN Kong Wah (HKG), it was the tactic choice that allowed to take the victory. ”CHUAN Chih-Yuan (TPE) beat RYU Seung Min (KOR) yesterday, so we made special arrangements so that LI Ching (HKG) avoided CHUAN Chi-Yuan. It proved successful.”
…and One European Duel
The other contest was more indecisive between the Croats and the Austrians but only from the 3rd match. After the fast victories of Werner SCHLAGER (AUT) over TAN Ruiwu (CRO) and CHEN Weixing (AUT) over Zoran PRIMORAC (CRO), Croatia managed to win the doubles and to boost the contest.
The Austrian pair consisted of CHEN and Robert GARDOS (AUT) lost in the decisive fifth game 10-12 against GACINA and TAN (CRO). SCHLAGER had to come back to the table to compete against Andrej GACINA (CRO), who contested his first singles match in Beijing. ”It was a very close contest. They were fighting with good skills. Andrej GACINA (CRO) is a good fighter and has a bright future,” said Ferenc KARSAI, the coach from Austria very satisfied with SCHLAGER’s (3-1) success synonym of the qualification for the following tour.
torsdag 14 augusti 2008
Korea and China Represented with Two Teams in the Semis
At the conclusion of the preliminary stage which gathered sixteen teams, the qualification of the Chinese teams for the semi-finals was awaited. Both teams are reigning world champions (winning the title in Guangzhou, China earlier this year) and the question was to know which teams would also be in race for medals.
China’s Men Smash Austria
In the Group A, the male Chinese team secured its first place beating Austria 3-0. The Chinese won all three matches without granting their opponents any chance. Austria, which ends second, is henceforth in the run for the bronze medal. Greece takes the third place and Australia ends fourth.
Croatia Second behind Impeccable Germans
The final rankings of the Group B are also without surprise. Team Germany, head of the group and nr. 2 of the tournament, overcame Singapore 3-1 to secure the first spot, whilst Singapore only ended third. The Croatian Men’s team prevailed in the morning session against Singapore finished on second place. For the latter as well as for Canada the team event is over after the Round Robin.
Ryu’s Performances like a Rollercoaster
Often struggling, the Koreans won through. In spite of a new defeat of RYU Seung Min today against CHUAN Chi-Yuan, Korea also reached the semi-finals.
”The first match I didn’t play well, but we played the second match better. In the doubles match, we played better, said RYU Seung Min, the reigning Olympic champion. “We were nervous, many people were supporting Chinese Taipei and it was difficult to play in front of a home crowd.” Chinese Taipei ends logically second having beaten yesterday brave Swedish 3-2. Brazil ends fourth and is also eliminated from the race for medals.
Japan’s Youth Impressed Bill Gates and Nigeria Historic
It is in the Group D where the only top seeded team did not prevail. The young Japanese team with KAN Yo, MIZUTANI Jun and KISHIKAWA Seiya brought down the experienced team from Hong Kong followed by Microsoft founder Bill GATES, a table tennis fan. The Japanese have henceforth two chances of medal.
”In the past we have never defeated Hong Kong China”, explained MIYASAKI Yoshihito, the Japanese coach. “Before the match today, I told my players that we would have to prove who is stronger through the competition. In terms of world rankings, Hong Kong China is ranked higher than us, but today we were luckier, especially with that last ball.” Hong Kong will try to get a Bronze Medal from tomorrow morning. Russia finally ends fourth after its surprising defeat against Nigeria which took down a historic victory.
Women’s Team Event
Chinese Dominance
In the women’s tournament, the competition is also exciting. The Chinese qualified themselves for the semi-finals ending as the first in Group A. They did not lose a single match and their route is in accordance with their male counterparts. Austria can also aspire a medal, the bronze one, after finishing second in group. Croatia and the Dominican Republic ended 3rd and 4th respectively.
Singapore dominated the Group B with three victories of 3-0. The team from the Netherlands was expected to catch the second place but it was eventually the US team thanks to their 3-1 success against the Europeans. Nigeria, representative of the African continent, ended fourth.
Hong Kong Superior – Romanian Late Night Win
Hong Kong China realised a perfect performance and can hope to pick up a medal in this team tournament. The victory obtained this evening on Germany demonstrated the superiority of the Hong Kong players.
The Germans ended on the fourth place after their defeat against Rumania yesterday in the opening session (3-0). After this exploit, the Rumanians had to wait for the decisive competition tonight against Poland to pursue the adventure and dream of a bronze medal. "It is really the friendship and the solidarity in the team that allowed us to win this evening”, explained a smiling Daniela Dodean after Romania had overcome Poland. “To compete at our first Olympic Games and to realise this course, it is unexpected for young players."
Korea with a Clean Record
The duel between Korea and Japan was promising. However, Korea imposed with the score of 3-0 against all its opponents, notably to the Japanese who will compete for the bronze medal. Spain and Australia complete the classification of the last group.
The Draw for Friday, 15th August
The final stage of the team events will bring matches between the four group winners. The losers of these matches will play against the winners of the bronze medal play-off.
Men’s Team Event Semi-Finals
China – Korea
Japan – Germany
Bronze Medal Play-Off
Hong Kong – Chinese Taipei
Austria – Croatia
Women’s Team Event Semi-Finals
China – Hong Kong
Korea – Singapore
Bronze Medal Play-Off
Japan – Austria
Romania – USA
China’s Men Smash Austria
In the Group A, the male Chinese team secured its first place beating Austria 3-0. The Chinese won all three matches without granting their opponents any chance. Austria, which ends second, is henceforth in the run for the bronze medal. Greece takes the third place and Australia ends fourth.
Croatia Second behind Impeccable Germans
The final rankings of the Group B are also without surprise. Team Germany, head of the group and nr. 2 of the tournament, overcame Singapore 3-1 to secure the first spot, whilst Singapore only ended third. The Croatian Men’s team prevailed in the morning session against Singapore finished on second place. For the latter as well as for Canada the team event is over after the Round Robin.
Ryu’s Performances like a Rollercoaster
Often struggling, the Koreans won through. In spite of a new defeat of RYU Seung Min today against CHUAN Chi-Yuan, Korea also reached the semi-finals.
”The first match I didn’t play well, but we played the second match better. In the doubles match, we played better, said RYU Seung Min, the reigning Olympic champion. “We were nervous, many people were supporting Chinese Taipei and it was difficult to play in front of a home crowd.” Chinese Taipei ends logically second having beaten yesterday brave Swedish 3-2. Brazil ends fourth and is also eliminated from the race for medals.
Japan’s Youth Impressed Bill Gates and Nigeria Historic
It is in the Group D where the only top seeded team did not prevail. The young Japanese team with KAN Yo, MIZUTANI Jun and KISHIKAWA Seiya brought down the experienced team from Hong Kong followed by Microsoft founder Bill GATES, a table tennis fan. The Japanese have henceforth two chances of medal.
”In the past we have never defeated Hong Kong China”, explained MIYASAKI Yoshihito, the Japanese coach. “Before the match today, I told my players that we would have to prove who is stronger through the competition. In terms of world rankings, Hong Kong China is ranked higher than us, but today we were luckier, especially with that last ball.” Hong Kong will try to get a Bronze Medal from tomorrow morning. Russia finally ends fourth after its surprising defeat against Nigeria which took down a historic victory.
Women’s Team Event
Chinese Dominance
In the women’s tournament, the competition is also exciting. The Chinese qualified themselves for the semi-finals ending as the first in Group A. They did not lose a single match and their route is in accordance with their male counterparts. Austria can also aspire a medal, the bronze one, after finishing second in group. Croatia and the Dominican Republic ended 3rd and 4th respectively.
Singapore dominated the Group B with three victories of 3-0. The team from the Netherlands was expected to catch the second place but it was eventually the US team thanks to their 3-1 success against the Europeans. Nigeria, representative of the African continent, ended fourth.
Hong Kong Superior – Romanian Late Night Win
Hong Kong China realised a perfect performance and can hope to pick up a medal in this team tournament. The victory obtained this evening on Germany demonstrated the superiority of the Hong Kong players.
The Germans ended on the fourth place after their defeat against Rumania yesterday in the opening session (3-0). After this exploit, the Rumanians had to wait for the decisive competition tonight against Poland to pursue the adventure and dream of a bronze medal. "It is really the friendship and the solidarity in the team that allowed us to win this evening”, explained a smiling Daniela Dodean after Romania had overcome Poland. “To compete at our first Olympic Games and to realise this course, it is unexpected for young players."
Korea with a Clean Record
The duel between Korea and Japan was promising. However, Korea imposed with the score of 3-0 against all its opponents, notably to the Japanese who will compete for the bronze medal. Spain and Australia complete the classification of the last group.
The Draw for Friday, 15th August
The final stage of the team events will bring matches between the four group winners. The losers of these matches will play against the winners of the bronze medal play-off.
Men’s Team Event Semi-Finals
China – Korea
Japan – Germany
Bronze Medal Play-Off
Hong Kong – Chinese Taipei
Austria – Croatia
Women’s Team Event Semi-Finals
China – Hong Kong
Korea – Singapore
Bronze Medal Play-Off
Japan – Austria
Romania – USA
onsdag 13 augusti 2008
Top Seeds Make Big Steps to Reach the Semis
With more than 6,000 spectators, it has become very hot in the competition hall at the first day of the table tennis events. The Peking University Gymnasium was full with a lot of media coming to cover one of the most popular sports in China.
China’s Teams Outstanding
Both Chinese teams are on the way to reach the last four of the first table tennis team event at Olympics. The women won their two competitions with 3-0 against Croatia in the opening match and versus the Dominican Republic in the evening session. They will face Austria tomorrow.
After facing Australia in the morning session, the Chinese men’s team will play tomorrow against Austria too. Werner SCHLAGER and his colleagues will try to contest the Chinese ascendancy. Against WANG Hao, MA Lin and WANG Liqin, Greece couldn’t avoid the defeat today (3-0). The match between China and Greece was very spectacular with the two Greek choppers namely Ntaniel TSIOKAS and Panagiotis GIONIS.
“MA Lin’s (CHN) opponent (GIONIS) has a very strange style but MA Lin didn’t give him any chance”, said LIU Guoliang, the Chinese coach. “WANG Hao did it better at crucial balls than KREANGA. WANG Liqin made more mistakes at the beginning because the three players’ styles are different from one another; this has caused us a headache, but we can see that we are quick to adapt.”
Poland’s Partyka Well Desired in Beijing
Germany’s women’s dream of a medal has receded into the distance. In the Group C, they lost 3-0 against the young Romanian team. The Germans now have to beat Hong Kong China and Poland tomorrow to keep up the chance to proceed.
In the Group D, there are also two teams competing for the first place that is necessary to compete for gold and silver. Korea and Japan won 3-0 respectively against Spain and Poland. Afterwards Natalia PARTYKA from Poland stood more than 30 minutes in the mixed zone, giving interviews. She is the only table tennis player qualified for the Olympics and Paralympics. She only lost in the fifth game against TIE Yana.
”We have played PARTYKA before and she did not play so well. Her attacks today were excellent. Even though she has an amputated right arm, she was playing better than an average player”, said TIE about her opponent. Singapore is leading the Women’s Group B with two victories against USA and Nigeria. Losing against the United States, the Dutch women’s team has the possibility to reach the first place with an exploit against Singapore.
Korea Wins in Spite of Ryu’s Hiccup
In the Men’s Group B, there was a close competition between Croatia and Germany but finally Germany won 3-0. Timo BOLL and friends, seeded number 2 overall, are on the right way to reach the last four teams. After playing Canada in the morning, the squad of German coach Richard PRAUSE will have to ensure its good position against Singapore at 14:30 tomorrow.
In the Group C, Korea has two victories after beating Sweden and Brazil 3-0 and 3-1 respectively. Korea’s reigning Olympic champion RYU Seung Min: "I think every match is always very hard, particularly the first round but today we had lots of confidence against the Swedish team so we played quite well. I think we can do this again in our next game." But in the second competition against Brazil, it was RYU, who lost a match. It was a 0-3 against Thiago MONTEIRO.
In the Group D, Russia and Nigeria now have no more chance to reach the first or second place and to aim for a medal. These final positions will be decided tomorrow in the match between Japan and Hong Kong China
China’s Teams Outstanding
Both Chinese teams are on the way to reach the last four of the first table tennis team event at Olympics. The women won their two competitions with 3-0 against Croatia in the opening match and versus the Dominican Republic in the evening session. They will face Austria tomorrow.
After facing Australia in the morning session, the Chinese men’s team will play tomorrow against Austria too. Werner SCHLAGER and his colleagues will try to contest the Chinese ascendancy. Against WANG Hao, MA Lin and WANG Liqin, Greece couldn’t avoid the defeat today (3-0). The match between China and Greece was very spectacular with the two Greek choppers namely Ntaniel TSIOKAS and Panagiotis GIONIS.
“MA Lin’s (CHN) opponent (GIONIS) has a very strange style but MA Lin didn’t give him any chance”, said LIU Guoliang, the Chinese coach. “WANG Hao did it better at crucial balls than KREANGA. WANG Liqin made more mistakes at the beginning because the three players’ styles are different from one another; this has caused us a headache, but we can see that we are quick to adapt.”
Poland’s Partyka Well Desired in Beijing
Germany’s women’s dream of a medal has receded into the distance. In the Group C, they lost 3-0 against the young Romanian team. The Germans now have to beat Hong Kong China and Poland tomorrow to keep up the chance to proceed.
In the Group D, there are also two teams competing for the first place that is necessary to compete for gold and silver. Korea and Japan won 3-0 respectively against Spain and Poland. Afterwards Natalia PARTYKA from Poland stood more than 30 minutes in the mixed zone, giving interviews. She is the only table tennis player qualified for the Olympics and Paralympics. She only lost in the fifth game against TIE Yana.
”We have played PARTYKA before and she did not play so well. Her attacks today were excellent. Even though she has an amputated right arm, she was playing better than an average player”, said TIE about her opponent. Singapore is leading the Women’s Group B with two victories against USA and Nigeria. Losing against the United States, the Dutch women’s team has the possibility to reach the first place with an exploit against Singapore.
Korea Wins in Spite of Ryu’s Hiccup
In the Men’s Group B, there was a close competition between Croatia and Germany but finally Germany won 3-0. Timo BOLL and friends, seeded number 2 overall, are on the right way to reach the last four teams. After playing Canada in the morning, the squad of German coach Richard PRAUSE will have to ensure its good position against Singapore at 14:30 tomorrow.
In the Group C, Korea has two victories after beating Sweden and Brazil 3-0 and 3-1 respectively. Korea’s reigning Olympic champion RYU Seung Min: "I think every match is always very hard, particularly the first round but today we had lots of confidence against the Swedish team so we played quite well. I think we can do this again in our next game." But in the second competition against Brazil, it was RYU, who lost a match. It was a 0-3 against Thiago MONTEIRO.
In the Group D, Russia and Nigeria now have no more chance to reach the first or second place and to aim for a medal. These final positions will be decided tomorrow in the match between Japan and Hong Kong China
torsdag 7 augusti 2008
The draw
The draw for the first team event in the Olympic history was held today at 3 p.m. local time.
The Competition Manager of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), Mr. Yao Zhenxu welcomed representatives of the countries, media and spectators at the Park Plaza Beijing Science Park in the Chinese capital Beijing.
The Groups
Women’s Team event:
Group A: China, Austria, Croatia, Dominican Republic
Group B: Singapore, Netherlands, USA, Nigeria
Group C: Hong Kong China, Germany, Poland, Romania
Group D: Korea Republic, Japan, Spain, Australia
Men’s Team event:
Group A: China, Austria, Greece, Australia
Group B: Germany, Singapore, Croatia, Canada
Group C: Korea Republic, Chinese Taipei, Sweden, Brazil
Group D: Hong Kong China, Japan, Russia, Nigeria
Schedule
The Men’s as well as the Women’s Team events will start on Wednesday, 13th August, 10:00 a.m. 2008 at Peking University Gymnasium in Beijing.
On 14th August, the team draw for the final rounds will be staged at the venue after the last matches have finished.
Only the winners of each group will contest for the gold medal. The second placed teams will compete for the bronze medal with the losers of the semi-final contests.
The Women’s Team final will be held at 19:30 p.m. on Sunday 17th August; the Men’s Team final is scheduled at the same time on Monday 18th August.
The Competition Manager of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), Mr. Yao Zhenxu welcomed representatives of the countries, media and spectators at the Park Plaza Beijing Science Park in the Chinese capital Beijing.
The Groups
Women’s Team event:
Group A: China, Austria, Croatia, Dominican Republic
Group B: Singapore, Netherlands, USA, Nigeria
Group C: Hong Kong China, Germany, Poland, Romania
Group D: Korea Republic, Japan, Spain, Australia
Men’s Team event:
Group A: China, Austria, Greece, Australia
Group B: Germany, Singapore, Croatia, Canada
Group C: Korea Republic, Chinese Taipei, Sweden, Brazil
Group D: Hong Kong China, Japan, Russia, Nigeria
Schedule
The Men’s as well as the Women’s Team events will start on Wednesday, 13th August, 10:00 a.m. 2008 at Peking University Gymnasium in Beijing.
On 14th August, the team draw for the final rounds will be staged at the venue after the last matches have finished.
Only the winners of each group will contest for the gold medal. The second placed teams will compete for the bronze medal with the losers of the semi-final contests.
The Women’s Team final will be held at 19:30 p.m. on Sunday 17th August; the Men’s Team final is scheduled at the same time on Monday 18th August.
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