9/1/2009 Funchal Junior Open - ITTF Junior Circuit
An ITTF Junior Circuit provides an opportunity for the host association to blood players in the international field.
It provides those who may receive few opportunities to travel, the chance show their worth; it could open a door that was previously bolted.
Equally, it gives an opening for a budding domestic star to excel, to hit the headlines in what can be considered a double edged sword. Will the pressure of expectation prove too great or will home support lift the player to unprecedented heights?
Truly Madeiran
“The Portuguese players are hopeful of achieving good results; however they are aware of the difficulty of realizing their aspirations in Funchal”, said Cirilo Borges, the Press Officer for the Funchal Junior Open. “Diogo Pinho and Maria Xiao are among the main Portuguese hopes; Maria is the daughter of China’s Xiao Daili and Yao Li, names that belong to the history of the development of table tennis in Madeira, whether as players or coaches.”
Maria may have been born in China but she is Madeiran through and through; a fact that is shown in her accent.
Tough Task
“Obviously my goal is to win but I know perfectly well that will be very difficult; I have twice reached the quarter-finals of the Madeira Open but I feel that this year will be more difficult because the level is higher”, said Maria Xiao.
“After one year playing in Spain, she doesn’t hide her satisfaction to be back in the land where she grew up”, said Cirilo Borges.
“Although I’m playing in a club on the mainland, I’m Madeiran, so it’s always good to come back”, added Maria Xiao who in spite of still being in the cadet age group stands at no.64 on the ITTF World Junior Rankings.
Step Forward
“Diogo Pinho is not from Madeira but he will represent Clube Desportivo São Roque next season, one of the most charismatic clubs in the island, the usual candidate for the Portuguese title”, said Cirilo Borges. “Last year I was among the top 16 but this year the level of opponents is higher, especially with the Japanese being present; it will be difficult, but I have trained hard to reach my goal”,
He is a determined young man and sees his move to Madeira in a positive light.
“I will be professional and be under the orders of a coach; all this will make me gain maturity, both as a player and as an individual”, said Diogo who currently stands at no.68 on the ITTF Junior World Ranking list.
Full Day
Matters start on Wednesday 2nd September and it will be a full day.
Including officials 140 people will be involved with matches starting at 9.00am and concluding at 10.00pm.
Maria Xiao (left) and Dego Pinho (right) leading Prtuguese hopes in Funchal Photo By: Cirilio Borges
Source ittf.com
