He is a professional motorcycle road racer.

In 2006 and 2007 he was crowned 2006 and 2007 World Champion in the 250cc category and currently he heads the MotoGP Class for the Factory Yamaha Team, having one year ago finished in runners up spot behind the celebrated Valentino Rossi.

Jorge Lorenzo enthusiastic about table tennis  Photo By: Photo courtesy of Joan Barbera

Recently, he tried his hand at another sport that demands the quick reactions of a motorcycle road racer and speed of a different nature. No, not cricket! He played table tennis.

Visited Orphanage
He visited the children of the Sant Josep de la Muntanya Orphanage in Barcelona, an organisation that has just received a table tennis table, four rackets and balls from “Club Falcons Sabadell”.

The club is very successful, especially the table tennis section, which has won a host of titles under the leadership of Pere Weisz, former Spanish Champion and he is seeking to win the Super Division of the Spanish League in the 2010-2011 season.

Table Tennis Demonstration
He has signed Li Dan Dan, Ferran Brugada and Ramon Mampel; strong contenders but like Jorge Lorenzo, they have visited the orphanage to play table tennis against the children.

Change Sports
Now, I wonder if they would like to change places with Jorge Lorenzo; well, watching the way he crashed in 2008 at the Chinese Grand Prix and the United States Grand Prix I suggest they stick to table tennis.

He travelled faster than his motorbike; he left it behind as he sailed through the air!

Great Reward
Somehow he survived, world title have come his way, great rewards but was there any better reward than seeing the smiles on the children’s faces at the Sant Josep de la Muntanya Orphanage?

I doubt it.

Source: ittf.com

Winner of Girls’ Singles titles on the ITTF Junior Circuit in Fiji and Spain in 2005, she beat 25 year old Li Xue of France, the fifth highest world ranked player on duty in the first phase of the Women’s Singles event, to secure first place in the group and a place in the main draw.

Furthermore, she won in impressive style; she secured victory in four straight games.

Yuri Yamanashi in splendid form on home soil  Photo By: An Sung Ho

Second place for Li Xue
Earlier in the day she had beaten Hong Kong’s Guan Meng Xuan in six games; second place in the group went to Li Xue who overcame the Hong Kong teenager without the loss of a single game.

Li Xue was one of two players amongst the leading names in action not to secure top place in the group stage; the other was Zhang Rui of Hong Kong.

Reversal of Fortunes
The eighth highest world rated player in action on day one in the Women’s Singles even she was beaten by China’s Sheng Dandan who had opened proceedings in the group by defeating Korea’s Hwang Ji Na.

Zhang Rui secured second place in the group by overcoming the 19 year old Korean who had suffer the bitter pill of defeat having enjoyed the sweet taste of success some two weeks earlier in India.

In New Delhi, against the odds she reached the semi-final stage of the Women’s Singles event before losing to Japan’s Sayaka Hirano, the eventual winner.

Nervous Moments
Second place at the end of the group stage for two highly rated players and for two others, there were nervous moments.

Chinese Taipei’s Cheng I-Ching, the third highest world ranked player in action and Austria’s, Li Qiangbing, the sixth highest both had to rely on games ratio to secure top places.

Cheng I-Ching was beaten by Hong Kong’s Ng Wing Nam in six games who in the opening duel had lost to Korea’s Shim Se Rom in seven games. However, Cheng I-Ching recovered, in the final match in the group she defeated Shim Se Rom in four straight games to secure first place.

Positive Response
Similarly, Li Qiangbing was beaten in six games by Korea’s Nam So Mi who in her opening match had suffered against Hong Kong’s Yu Kwok See in four games.

In likewise fashion to Cheng I-Ching, Li Qiangbing responded, she overcame Yu Kwok See in four straight games to seal top place.

No Heartaches
Problems for Cheng I-Ching and Li Qiangbing but no such troubles for Japan’s Yuka Ishigaki and Hong Kong’s Lin Lin, the two highest rated players in action, nor for Korea’s, Lee Eun Hee, the fourth or line or Spain’s Shen Yanfei, the seventh highest on duty.

All four remained unbeaten to emerge as group winners.

Source: ittf.com

A total of 586 delegates from 92 countries, experts in different fields shared experiences, reporting on the latest findings for the promotion of sport for everyone.

Organized by the LIKES Research Centre, (the name being derived from the Finnish Liikunnan ja Kansanterveyden Edistämissäätiö) and the University of Jyvaskyla, the event was hosted by the Finnish Olympic Committee. Matters were administered under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Sportaccord/GAISF (GAISF - the General Association of International Sports Federations).

Jacques Rogge
Proceedings were opened by Jacques Rogge, IOC President.

“We have come to Finland with a sense of urgency to deal with an issue that affects the lives and health of people of all ages around the world”, he said. “At our last Congress in Malaysia, we urged governments and public authorities at all levels to make sport and physical activity a key element of health policy; two years later, the need for action is even more apparent, the WHO reports that 60 per cent of the world’s population fails to get the necessary amount of physical activity.”

Tradition
Certainly that is not the Finnish tradition.

Finland has a long tradition of promoting sport and physical activity to improve health and wellbeing of its citizens. Different organizations within the country are spreading the positive message of sport for all.

Representatives
The Congress brought together representatives from the Olympic family, specialists, researchers, government officials and United Nations representatives.

A variety of programmes, strategies and policies to promote Sport for All among the different age groups was discussed.

Sport for Youth Vital
“Humans need physical activity to thrive; far too many children have little opportunity for sport, exercise or outdoor play, we can see the results in the rising rates of youth obesity and diabetes”, said Jacques Rogge. “However, whilst we often focus on young people, we must not forget about the other age groups, physical activity is important for all generations and this notion is reflected in the programme of this Sport for All Congress; the upcoming Olympic Day on 23 June will be the next opportunity to encourage all age groups to get moving.”

It was a highly motivational address and the conclusion was equally positive.

Declaration
The Conference finished with a declaration that was supported unanimously by all participants; the document, which was presented by Sam Ramsamy, Chairman of the IOC’s Sport for All Commission, summed up current needs and trends in the field of Sport for All and recommended concrete action to counteract physical inactivity.

It was recommended that Congress members address and encourage increased activity from sports movement, individuals, families, the health sector, schools and government authorities.

Declaration
The full text of the declaration can be read by following the link below
The Declaration

ITTF Representation
At the proceedings, the International Table Tennis federation was represented by Glenn Tepper, Executive Director – Development Programmes and Leandro Olvech, Development Manager.

The aim was to become acquainted with concepts of Sport for All that could be applied within the table tennis community worldwide.

A “Sport for All” Policy and Projects are the next main aim of the ITTF Development Programme hence the attendance of Gelenn Tepper and Leandro Olvech.

Increasingly Important Worldwide Movement
“Sport for All” is becoming a unified and increasingly important worldwide movement, with the International Olympic Committee taking the lead”, said Glenn Tepper. “In table tennis, through the Development Programme and Global Junior Programme in particular, we are well in advance of many other sports in regards to targeted areas.”

Glenn Tepper quoted examples: “Beginner-schools programmes; veteran sport; women’s programmes; sport for athletes with a disability; social inclusion programmes; using sport as a vehicle for social change”, he itemized. “Our challenge is to formulate this into a clear “Sport for All” policy and provide projects which are easily implemented at national, club and school levels.”

Setting Example
Undoubtedly, the efforts of the ITTF Development Department are setting an example for other International Sports Federations.

“As a result of increased time with Peace and Sport staff we will soon finalize a “Table Tennis for Peace”, “how to” brochure which will be a first for any International Sports Federation and will used as a blueprint for other sports”, continued Glenn Tepper; who is quite prepared to learn from other sports.

“Tennis is always a good model for the International Table Tennis Federation to look for inspiration; they have adopted a grass roots system using bigger and softer balls and smaller courts, which leads to less drop out due to lack of success”, he added. “Already, I trialed this concept in the 90s when working for Table Tennis Australia; in the Australian School Championships I introduced an event using a smaller table and a 44mm ball readily available and used in Japan already, this ball allows young players to rally earlier and hence retention rates are increased; it was a very popular event. We plan to investigate also using a foam ball as tennis do for their youngest beginners.”

Topic for Thesis
Certainly in Japan, the 44mm ball tournaments have proved very popular and Glenn Tepper was also of the view that the Congress presented an opportunity for Leandro Olvech.

“Leandro as part of finalizing his Sports Management Masters must complete a thesis”, concluded Glenn Tepper. “We discussed which topic would both complete the requirements of his Masters Degree and leave a legacy for the International Table Tennis Federation; we both agreed on “Table Tennis for All”; we hope this will be ready for 2011!

Sounds much more interesting than the garbage I wrote for my thesis many moons ago about Pastoral Care in an English Comprehensive School! I wonder could there be some similarities?

Unique Opportunity
“It was a unique experience to share with people from other fields their experiences in this area and also to take note of useful concepts that can be useful for the International Table Tennis Federation”, said Leandro Olvech. “We expect that our final document will be useful for the whole table tennis family and can be used as guideline for development; thus we kindly request all those having information related to Table Tennis for All, development plans in general or for specific groups such as children, women, elderly people, disabled or any other to share it with us to be used for the “Table Tennis for All” booklet.

Contact Leandro Olvech
Please advise Leandro Olvech lolvech@ittf.com of development plans, propsals and any related items.

Taking the Lead and Take a Bow
The International Table Tennis Federation is ahead of the field; the IOC is to take a stronger leadership role in the next “Sport for All” Conference in Beijing, China in 2011 and has asked the ITTF to make a presentation at the conference.

All concerned in any aspect of work within the ITTF Development Department are to be congratulated; Table Tennis is truly the “Sport for All”.

Source: ittf.com

It commenced on Sunday 14th February and concludes on Wednesday 2nd February 2011.

Some three months into that year on Sunday 30th May, the tiger was wounded; legend says that when the tiger is wounded it is at its most dangerous, more determined than ever.

The wounded tiger is China, the Chinese Women’s Team beaten in the final of the Liebherr World Team Championships by Singapore, a title they were odds on to win. Point to be Proved
Make no mistake it hurt and there is a point to be proved.

The point is that China is the no.1 nation in the world when it comes to women’s table tennis.

ITTF Junior Circuit
At the recent ITTF Junior Circuit Tournaments in Chengdu and Taiyuan, undoubtedly some of China’s most talented players were on duty, many of the best were in action.

Looking back over recent years, the strength of the Chinese teams at those tournaments was arguably not so powerful.

The teenagers in action proved a point; the Chinese were imperious, outstanding, ahead of all rivals, sheer class.

Now their elders have a chance to do the same.

Never Erase
They can never wipe out the memory of the defeat in Moscow but they can gain an element of consolation by succeeding at the Volkswagen 2010 China versus World Team Challenge contest to be staged in Shanghai on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th June 2010.

Liu Shiwen, Ding Ning and Guo Yan, who played in that fateful final almost one month ago, plus Li Xiaoxia who sat nervously on the bench trying to will her team mates to victory, have been selected.

Similar Situation
It is very much a similar situation to September 2004 following the defeat of Wang Hao by Korea’s Ryu Seung Min in the Men’s Singles final at the Athens Olympic Games. At the ITTF Pro Tour tournament one month later in Changchun, the home city of Wang Hao, all the home supporters wanted to see Wang Hao play Ryu Seung Min to prove a point.

They had played many times before that final, they have played many times since; prior to the Athens duel Ryu Seung Min had only won when they were juniors, since that battle in some 15 encounters Wang Hao has only lost once.

Still Hurts
The wins do not soften the pain of the defeat in the most important meeting of all; it is the same for the Chinese women who will face the World Alls Stars quartet of Singapore’s Feng Tianwei, Korea’s Kim Kyung Ah, Japan’s Ai Fukuhara and Romania’s Daniela Dodean.

Certainly Feng Tianwei having beaten both Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen in the Moscow final will be the focus of attention; she will want to prove that her wins were no “flash in the pan” victories, the Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen are desperate to prove the reverse.

Justified Inclusion
In Moscow, Guo Yan, who so often in the past has sat on the bench in the major finals and in Beijing at the 2008 Olympic Games was an enthusiastic spectator, surely justified her inclusion in the Liebherr World Team Championships final; the surprise was the non inclusion of Guo Yue.

Equally, Guo Yue is not included in the Volkswagen 2010 China versus World Team Challenge.

Changes
Meanwhile, the originally named Feng Yalan, winner of the Women’s Singles event at the German Open in March this year, and Wu Yang, the reigning World Junior Champion, both originally named, have been replaced by those bent on revenge.

In Shanghai it will be a test for Ding Ning who celebrated her 20th birthday on Sunday 20th June as it will be for Liu Shiwen who is only 19 year old; brave faces may comment that the major goal is the 2012 Olympic Games and that both Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen are young.

However there is no avoiding the pain.

Chinese players tend to reach world level at a much younger age than players from other countries and a word of warning for the rest of the world.

Nine Lives
At the World Championships in Chiba in 1991, China suffered defeat in the final of the Women’s Team event; they were beaten by the joint Korean Team. They had won on the previous eight occasions.

In Moscow at the Liebherr World Championships China had won on the previous eight occasions, the tiger, the biggest member of the cat family had used up its “nine lives”.

Return Stronger
Looking back to 1991 one person, fiercely patriotic, was wounded by the defeat in the Women’s Team event, it hurt, it really hurt and it made her more determined than ever to succeed.

She did, the 18 year old with the aching heart, returned stronger than ever to win her first ever Women’s Singles title at a World Championships.

The teenager was the player they said was too small to be a champion, the one and only Deng Yaping.

She was wounded, she came back stronger; now it’s the turn of Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen to follow suit.

Source: ittf.com

You can find some early detailed reviews and pictures on this rubber here: Butterfly Tenergy 05 FX Review

It appears to be a more controlled version of the regular Tenergy 05, and therefore suitable to a wider range of players, particularly lower level player, who struggled to control the Tenergy 05.

Basically the Tenergy 05 FX is a Tenergy 05 topsheet with a softer but similar sponge. It retains most of the benefits of the regular 05, but it’s more forgiving and easier to play with.

At the Indian Open, she completed her group stage matches in fine form by beating the host nation’s Madhurika Patkar in four straight games to finish the first phase of proceedings with an unblemished record.

On the opening day of action, she had defeated Madhurika Patkar’s colleague, also in straight games. World Rankings

Few problems for Amelie Solja in the group stage of matters  Photo By: tabletennisphotos.com

The win over Madhurika Patkar was as the current world rankings predicted. Amelie Solja currently stands at no.121 on the women’s list with the 23 year old Indian at no.256.

However, Madhurika Patkar is increasingly becoming a formidable opponent and has just claim to being rated India’s most improved female player in the past year.

ITTF Pro Tour Performances
At the Indian Open in March 2009 she reached the semi-final stage of the Women’s Singles event, her best ever finish on the ITTF Pro Tour, whilst earlier this year at the Qatar Open in Doha, she led China’s Liu Shiwen by two games to one in their first round encounter before the world’s no.1 ranked female player recovered.

Madhurhika Patkar duly gained second place and with the top two players progressing to the main draw, she duly booked her place in the second stage.

Indian Successes
A place in the main draw for Madhurika Patkar and there were also places for her colleagues Pooja Sahasrabudhe, Shamini Kumaresan and Nandita Saha.

Pooja Sahasrabudhe beat Singapore’s Zena Sim to conclude her group stage matches in second place, whilst Shamini Kumaresan overcame compatriot Niveditha Arumbakkam to also clinch runners up spot.

On the opening day Nandita Saha had defeated team mate Kasturi Chakraborty in her opening match.

Koreans Outstanding
All three groups were won by Koreans, the respective group winners being Cho Ha La, Kim Mi Jeong and Kim Min Hee.

It was a successful excursion for the Koreans with players from that country finishing in first place in six of the eight groups.

Lee So Bong, Nam So Ri and Jin Dal Rae also concluded matters as group winners with Hwang Ji Na recording a nail-biting seven games victory over the host nation’s Ankita Das, to secure second place in her group behind Poland’s Kinga Stefanska.

Malaysia and Japan
Places in the main draw for players from Germany, India, Korea and Poland and also from Malaysia and Japan; Bee Lee Wei and Ng Sockm Khim from Malaysia both finished in second places in their groups as did Japan’s Megumi Okazaki.

At the conclusion of what had been a day of drama, China beat Germany by three matches to one to regain the Swaythling Cup; a duel where the eventual silver medallists could hold their heads high.

Zhang Jike recorded vital win in first World Championship final  Photo By: Rémy Gros

They had brought the best out of the superb Chinese players.
Match Progress
Timo Boll recovered from a two games to nil deficit to beat Ma Long in the first match of the duel before Ma Lin defeated Dimitrij Ovtcharov, Zhang Jike overcame Christian Süss and Ma Lin brought matters to an end by defeating Timo Boll.

Debuts More than a Decade Apart
Experience and youth brought China success in the final. Ma Lin made his debut in a World Championships in 1997 in the English city of Manchester; for Zhang Jike it was his first ever World Championships and only his second ever appearance for China in a team competition.

Winner of the Boys’ Singles title at the first ever ITTF Cadet Change in Hungary in 2002, he made his senior debut in the Austrian city of Linz at the World Team Cup in October 2009.

Ma Long Makes Better Start
Ma Long made the better start in the duel against Timo Boll but as the first game neared conclusion it was Timo Boll who held a slight lead at 8-7.

However, the German was not able to convert the marginal advantage, the first game went the way of Ma Long.

Attacked Backhand of Timo Boll
In trademark style, Ma Long attacked with venom from the forehand, directing his early attacking strokes towards the backhand of his German opponent. He gave Timo Boll little time to react.

In the second game Ma Long made a lightning start but Timo Boll reduced the arrears to 7-9. Liu Guoliang, the Chinese Men’s National Coach, as he has done so often in the past, called “Time Out” in the very early stages of the proceedings.

Timo Boll won the next point but the next two both went to Ma Long, China held a two games to nil lead.

Third Game to Timo Boll
In the third game, Timo Boll was able to execute his favoured forehand topspin stroke rather more than in the previous two games.

He established a 7-2 lead, Ma Long reduced the arrears to 8-6; the moment at which Richard Prause, German Men’s Team National Coach, called “Time Out”.

Ma Long levelled at 8-all but at 10-9 it was game point to Timo Boll; a dynamic backhand topspin across the diagonal saved the game point. Again at 11-10, Timo Boll held game point, this time he converted the opportunity.

Level
In the fourth game Timo Boll made the better start as Ma Long made errors. He led 5-3, he won he next two points before Ma Long reduced the deficit by winning a stupendous counter topspin rally.

However, Timo Boll, returning the service of Ma Long short with great skill was able to execute his forehand topspin to move into a 10-5 lead, the heavy topspin forcing errors from the racket of Ma Long.

Decider
Playing with controlled topspin as opposed to the blazing power of Ma Long
Timo Boll led 5-4 at the chang of ends having lost the first two points of the game.

Ma Long was under pressure, immense pressure and made errors trying play his devastating forehand topspin. The German went ahead 7-4, he maintained the advantage at 8-6 and at 10-7 held three match points.

The chance was converted at the first attempt, Germany celebrated.

Experience
The voice of experience was next into the arena for China, Ma Lin took centre stage to face Dimitrij Ovtcharov and captured a close first game.

Rallies were minimal, Ma Lin, the master in the art of service and receive displayed his art to the full.

He won the first game and the second; certainly in the second game he played in an increasingly confident manner being able to answer the topspin attacks of Dimitrij Ovtcharov in like style.

Ma Lin Draws China Level
In the third game Ma Lin moved into a 4-3 lead, Richard Prause called “Time Out”. However, the skill of Ma Lin at being able to serve and follow with a devastating attack was taking control.

Furthermore, confidence was draining from Dimitrij Ovtcharov; Ma Lin was in control. The man who had secured the final place in the team for the Liebherr World Team Championships by winning a specially arranged play-off match against Wang Liqin had drawn China Level.

Youth
The voice of experience for China was replaced by the voice of youth; next in line for the defending champions was Zhang Jike; he faced Christian Süss.

At the German Open Open earlier in the year, Zhang Jike had beaten Christian Süss in four straight games; he had won with a degree of ease.

Different Scenario
However, in Moscow it was a pressure cooker situation, a totally different scenario to that which he had faced in the Max Schmelling Halle in Berlin in February.

Christian Süss won the first game, then in the second went ahead at the start, established a four point lead, retained the lead to 9-6 but then lost the next five points at Zhang Jike played in a faultless fashion; attacking over the table he had proved supreme.

The momentum had swung in favour of Zhang Jike, the second was close with Zhang Jike holding a narrow lead; at 10-9 Liu Guoliang called “Time Out”. The break worked for Zhang Jike, a counter topspin rally went his way.

It was time for the Chinese supporters to stand and cheer.

Assumed Control
Zhang Jike was now assuming control; in the fourth game he won the first three points of the fourth game. Richard Prause called “Time Out”. It was to no avail; Zhang Jike was quicker with the first attack, he won the fourth game and China had the lead.

Once again the throngs of Chinese supporters were on their feet.

Memories of Bremen
Ma Lin versus Timo Boll was the next on the agenda and surely German memories went back to Bremen in 2006 when Germany met China at the semi-final stage. China beat Germany by three matches to one on that occasion, the one victory for Germany?

Timo Boll beat Ma Lin.

Fast Start
Ma Long had started like an express train against Timo Boll in the first match of the contest. Ma Lin did exactly the same.

Also he followed the avowed tactic of directing his first attack towards the backhand of Timo Boll, the policy followed time and time again against the Chinese. He continued that policy but at 10-8 Timo Boll produced the most outrageous diagonally directed backhand to reduce the deficit to one point before levelling at 10-all.

Timo Boll saved two game points, then had one of his own before serving into the net when level at 13-all; again he saved the game point. It was parity at 14-all; then the next two points to Timo Boll and it was German jubilation.

Fast Reply
A close first game was followed by a convincing second game; Ma Lin raced into a 9-1 lead, he secured the game 11-4; it was parity.

Returning the services of Timo Boll short and with exquisite control then executing a strong forehand topspin, Ma Lin won the first five points of the third game.

Timo Boll reduced the deficit to 5-3, Liu Guoliang called “Time Out”. The break worked in favour of Timo Boll as opposed to Ma Lin, Timo Boll levelled at 7-all but never established a lead.

China was one game away from glory.

Ma Lin Secures Title
In the fourth game, Timo Boll tried to gain the advantage by playing his forehand over the table, along the parallel to the forehand of Ma Lin.

The ploy met with mixed success, Ma Lin went ahead 6-4; stopping Ma Lin playing a powerful after the service was proving a major headache for Timo Boll.

Richard Prause called “Time Out”; it was the last throw of the dice.

Ma Lin was not to be denied and neither was China; the Swaythling Cup was retained; the supporters were delirious.

Germany had acquitted themselves proudly, China simply superb.

Amid dramatic scenes Feng Tianwei sank to knees after securing the crucial point to beat Liu Shiwen and secure Singaporeb their first ever title at a World Championships.

It was sheer sensation, for those who had the privilege to be resent, they will relate the tale of the day to children, grandchildren with enthusiasm and indelible memories.
Feng Tianwei was the heroine, in five games she beat both Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen with Wang Yue Gu also defeating Liu Shiwen; the one Chinese success came from Guo Yan.

In the third match of the duel, she defeated Sun Bei Bei.

No Change
Both coaches selected the teams that had succeeded in both the quarter-final and semi-final stages; there was no place in the Singapore line up for the experienced Li Jia Wei nor the much improved Yu Meng Yu who has risen from no.32 on the ITTF Women’s World Rankings at the start of the year, to a current position of no.10.

Equally China omitted both Guo Yue and Li Xiaoxia; the non selection of Li Xiaoxia was to be expected, early in the year she underwent an appendix operation; however, the omission of Guo Yue did raise eyebrows.

Wealth of Experience
Although only 21 years old she has a wealth of experience, the winner of the Women’s Singles title at the Liebherr World Championships in Zagreb in 2007 and the runner up in 2009; she was surely expected to play.

Coach Shi Zhihao gave youth its opportunity just as his predecessor, Liu Yuansheng, had done six years earlier when at the age of 15, Guo Yue beat Zhang Rui to secure gold for China at the Liebherr World Team Championships in Doha.

Play Harder
“Jiao You, Jiao You” rang out loudly in the tiered seating as Ding Ning captured the first game against Feng Tianwei; her services caused her adversary, currently the world no.2, problems and most certainly the 2005 World Junior champion was motivated.

Left handed, a clenched right fist greeted every success as her speed started to overwhelm Feng Tianwei; after winning the first game, she won the first six points of the second game before Feng Tianwei replied.

She surrendered only two more points, the Chinese supporters were delirious; Feng Tianwei was being reduced to the role of being a ball girl. Ding Ning was giving her no time to execute her powerful strokes.

Wise Time Out
In the second game, obeying the orders of her supporters to play harder, play stronger, Ding Ning established a 4-2 lead, the Singapore camp called “Time Out”; the Chinese supporters cheered and applauded in unison, one member of the faithful deciding it was time the crack a cymbal in my right ear just in case Ding Ning could not hear the cries of her supporters.

However the efforts of China’s Ringo Starr did not produce an immediate success; a rejuvenated Feng Tianwei captured the game with Ding Ning not in the fast lane as in the previous two, more tentative as she saw the finishing line.

Took Stock
It was time for Ding Ning to take stock and follow orders, she did just that; Shi Zhihao had clearly given instructions that the first stroke in the rally should be directed towards the backhand of Feng Tianwei.

The orders were followed to the letter, she moved ahead 8-3 with Feng Tianwei having few problems returning the Ding Ning service but experiencing problems with being unable to unleash her powerful forehand.
At 8-5, Shi Zhihao called “Time Out”, the cries of “Jiao You, Jiao You” drowned out the music.

Nervous
Ding Ning appeared nervous as Feng Tianwei levelled at 9-all; At 10-9 Feng Tianwei held game point, it was converted.

Feng Tianwei was now the more positive player; she attacked the service which too often drifted long whilst Ding Ning returned service more often than not with heavy backspin directed into the body of Feng Tianwei.

Ding Ning Ahead, Feng Tianwei Recovers

A fifth game beckoned, there had been a major transformation in the match; at the change of ends Ding Ning led 5-2, the level of the rallies at a higher standard than before with Ding Ning on two occasions being driven into the deep grass and effecting high lobbed topspin returns to delight the crowd.

Nevertheless, Ding Ning could not stamp her authority on proceedings as she had done in the first two games, Feng Tianwei, levelled at 5-all; long rallies followed, both in favour of Feng Tianwei.

The next two points with Ding Ning serving were over quickly, both to Ding Ning; the next two points shared, tension filled the air.

Recovery Completed
“Jiao You, Jiao You” rang around the stadium; then match point to Feng Tianwei; Ding Ning served, the return was weak, too high. Ding Ning went for a fast forehand topspin, the ball clipped the top of the net, it flew long.

Feng Tianwei, outclassed in the first two games had performed a quite remarkable recovery; Singapore had the early lead.

Opportunity
The pressure was now firmly on the shoulders of Liu Shiwen, like Ding Ning 19 years old; for Wang Yue Gu, like Liu Shiwen born in Liaoning Province, it was a golden opportunity to etch her name in table tennis history books.

Wang Yue Gu was in the fast lane, she moved into a 7-1 lead, carefree, fast, devastating from the backhand.

However Liu Shiwen is brave, inside the China doll exterior their lies braveheart, she reduced the arrears to 7-8. However, she never gained parity.

The first game went to Wang Yue Gu.

Wang Yue Gu Positive
Wang Yue Gu confident, positive established a 6-3 lead in the second game; she stayed close to the table, she made full use of the angles, she forced errors from the racket of the world no.1.

The Chinese supporters gasped as Wang Yue Gu moved ahead 8-4; the level of play rose, a stupendous out-of-this-world rally saw Liu Shiwen win the next points, both ladies for their efforts deserved ten bonus points. It was table tennis magic.

However, it was only one point, Wang Yue Gu captured the game, she was two games to nil ahead.

Liu Shiwen Responds
Wang Yue had commanded the first two games by excelling over the table and forcing errors from Liu Shiwen.

In the third game the errors from the racket of Liu Shiwen disappeared, she dominated matters and allotted Wang Yue Guo only two points.

The Chinese supporters led by Mr Tambourine Man were back in full voice.

“Jiao You, Jiao You, Jiao You”.

Rapid Fire
Rapid fire exchanges greeted the start of the fourth game with Wang Yue Gu enjoying the better of the early exchanges.

She went ahead 5-2; Liu Shiwen called “Time Out”, the Chinese supporters called “Jiao You”, a group of Singapore supporters chanted “Singapore” but it was a whisper when compared with their Chinese adversaries.

Liu Shiwen levelled at 5-all, Singapore coach Zhou Shuseng called “Time Out”.

The fast exchanges continued; neither player able to establish a definitive lead, at 10-all it was parity; then after yet another long rally it was match point to Wang Yue Gu; converted.

Sensationally, Singapore led by two matches to nil!

Stunned
There was an air of amazement around the Olimpijsky Sports Complex; the Chinese supporters were stunned.

When was a Chinese Women’s Team last in a situation when they were trailing by two matches to nil?

Also First Appearance
Guo Yan was next into the arena and although a member of the Chinese National Team at previous World Championships, it was, like Liu Shiwen and Ding Ning, her first appearance in a World Championships final.

Statistically Guo Yan was the clear favourite, they had met twice before on the international scene and twice Guo Yan had won.

Consistency
However, full of confidence and wishing to emulate her colleagues, Sun Bei Bei captured the first game but Guo Yan replied immediately; her consistent topspin play enabled her to dominate the second game.

Again, continuing to play with a high level of consistency, her aim to keep the ball on the table longer than her opponent, Guo Yan captured the third game.

The Chinese supporters rose in unison.

Safety First
Guo Yan continued the safety first policy, she went ahead 4-2 in the fourth game, Zhou Shunsen called “Time Out”. The players returned, in trying to attack quickly, Sun Bei Bei made mistakes.

Guo Yan went ahead 6-2; a gap had been created, Guo Yan continued to play methodically, no risks. The policy bore fruit.

China had reduced the arrears to one game; it seemed to write “China had reduced the arrears”; had I ever written that before when referring to Chinese female players?

History
Three previous meetings in world ranking events and three wins for Liu Shiwen; that was the historical evidence; the most recent in March 2010 when she beat Feng Tianwei in the Women’s Singles final at the Volkswagen Cup in Guangzhou.

However, in Moscow Liu Shiwen was facing the most severe test of her career.

Nerves
Nervous tense moments, few long rallies saw Feng Tianwei capture the first game and silence the Chinese supporters.

In the second game, Liu Shiwen took the early advantage but Feng Tianwei levelled at 4-all; Shi Zhihao called “Time Out”.

Initially, the break worked for Liu Shiwen as the level of the rallies rose, she moved ahead 9-6.

Liu Shiwen followed the tactic that Ding Ning had employed by regularly returning the service into the backhand of Feng Tianwei with backspin.

Game Points Saved
However, with chants of “Singapor, Singapore” reverberating around the stadium, Feng Tianwei levelled at 9-all.

The next point went to Liu Shiwen but at 11-10 it was advantage Feng Tianwei, she had four further game points before at 16-14, Liu Shiwen clinched the game.

China on the Precipice
Executing consistent topspin strokes, Feng Tianwei raced into a 5-0 lead in the third game. Feng Tianwei maintained the advantage, she was playing positively, Liu Shiwen was being forced into the passive role.

Zhou Shuseng stood to his feet with the score at 10-7 in favour of Singapore; Feng Tianwei, shook her head, clearly she did not want the “Time Out”. However, the umpire placed the clock on the table and the “Time Out” was taken.

Furthermore, Feng Tianwei won the next point!

China was on the precipice.

Prime Importance
Consistency was now of prime importance, Liu Shiwen was consistent but the heavy topspin strokes of Feng Tianwei had time and again reaped rewards.

Liu Shiwen moved ahead 7-4, fast counter attacking rallies, she maintained the lead but Feng Tianwei recovered to level at 9-all.

The next two points went to Liu Shiwen, the Chinese supporters rejoiced; “Jiao You, Jiao You” time and again.

Crucial Game
Attacking strongly, Feng Tianwei won the first three points of the fifth game before Liu Shiwen replied; at the change of ends the heavy topspin strokes of Feng Tianwei were paying dividends.

She led 5-3, then extended the lead to 8-4; a sensation was being anticipated.

The noise of “Jiao You” was deafening. Feng Tianwei moved ahead 9-4 at 10-6 she held four match points.

Liu Shiwen saved the first match point, not the second.

Sensation
Sensation, sheer drama, unbelievable; Singapore, champions of the world.

Source: ittf.com

Table tennis has been Rong Guotuan’s favorite sport since childhood, and he ran prize on behalf of the table tennis team of Hong Kong Union at his 15 years old. In 1957, when he was 20 years old, he entered Guangzhou Institute of Physical Culture after he came back from Hong Kong. In 1958, he joined the table tennis team of Guangdong Province, and won the champion of men’s single of the National Table Tennis Championships in the same year. Then he joined the national table tennis team. His penhold quick attacking style has broad course and various changes, and especially he has excellent serving skill, pushing, pulling, scraping, twisting, as well as forehand and backhand attacking skills. He succeeded and developed the Chinese traditional style of pushing left and attacking right, and he created new skills of serving revolving ball and un-revolving ball, and twisting revolving and un-revolving ball. He can use various strategies and show unique characteristics in the match. Based on his skills and experience, the skill style as table-closing quick attacking of Chinese table tennis has developed into “Quick, accurate, fierce, and changing” from the old “Quick, accurate and fierce”.

In the 25th World Table Tennis Championships in 1959, Rong won the first world championship of men’s single table tennis for China against table tennis stars from other countries, and he was the first world championship winner of new China. In the 26th World Table Tennis Championships in 1961, he made great contribution for China team to win the men’s team champion. After 1964, he worked as the coach of women’s table tennis team of China, under the guidance of him and other coaches, the women’s table tennis team of China won the women’s team champion in the 28th World Table Tennis Championships. He won the title of “Master of sports” in 1958 and two Medals of Honor for Sports issued by the State Physical Culture and Sports Commission in 1959 and 1961. In 1984, he was cited as one of the most excellent athletes in the 35 years since the founding of PRC.

In 1956, the team champion of the World Table Tennis Championships, Japanese table tennis team visited Hong Kong, and Rong Guotuan won 2-0 against Ogimura Ichir?, a leading player of Japanese team. In the next year, he ran prize on behalf of the table tennis team of Hong Kong Union, and won three champions of men’s single, double and team. This year, he came back to Guangzhou with his father and entered Guangzhou Institute of Physical Culture. In 1958, he participated in the National Nine Cities Table Tennis Championships on behalf of Guangzhou city and won the national men’s single champion. In terms of skills, Rong Guotuan developed the Chinese traditional style of pushing left and attacking right, and successfully created new skills of serving revolving ball and un-revolving ball, and twisting revolving and un-revolving ball. After joined the national team, he learned penhold quick attacking style, and his style has broad course and various changes, and especially he has excellent in serving skill, pushing, pulling, scraping, twisting, as well as forehand and backhand attacking skills, and formed the skill style of “Quick, accurate, fierce, and changing” in a short time. In March 1959, the 25th World Table Tennis Championships was hold in Dortmund of West Germany. For the men’s single champion, Rong Guotuan fought against Hungary star Sido who has won world champion for nine times. Aiming at the fat body of Sido, Rong served long and short balls, combined with pushing side topspin, and larger attacking degree, after one game lost, he won the other three games, and defeat Sido. The name of Rong Guotuan was carved on the Saint Bride Cup for the first time, and he was the first world champion among Chinese table tennis players. In April 1961, in the men’s team final match of the 26th World Table Tennis Champion hold in Beijing, the Chinese team is under a 3-4 adverse situation, Rong Guotuan wept. The female team member Qiu Zhonghui talked to him, he said that he had lost two games, but then he cried out: “There are only few challenges we must fight against, now it is!” He rose to challenge and did his best, and finally defeated the Japanese player Hoshino whose title is “Fierce Lion”, and the Chinese team won 5-3 against Japanese team for the Swaythling Cup, writing another chapter for China. From then on, “There are only few challenges we must fight against, now it is!” has been popular.

During the ten years of turmoil, Rong Guotuan was framed as “Spy Suspect”, and he committed suicide in June 1968 when he was only 31 years old, leaving his little daughter. In 1978, the State Physical Culture and Sports Commission rehabilitate Rong Guotuan’s honor. In 1987, a bronze statue of Rong Guotuan was built in Zhuhai city, the homeland of Rong Guotuan.

Personal honors

In 1959, he won the Men’s single champion of the 25th World Table Tennis Championships, becoming the first world champion of China.

In the 26th World Table Tennis Championships in 1961, Rong Guotuan made a great contribution for China team to win the men’s team champion.

In 1964, Rong Guotuan worked as the coach of women’s table tennis team of China, under the guidance of him and other coaches, the women’s table tennis team of China won the women’s team champion in the 28th World Table Tennis Championships.

To award the contributions Rong Guotuan made for the Table Tennis development of China, the State Physical Culture and Sports Commission awarded him with two Merit Citations in 1961 and 1964, and conferred honor metals and certificates on him for several times.

Source: confusious Instutute Online

What else?

It is the current fashion and as the London Olympic Games looms ever closer, the sport is seeing a rejuvenation in the English capital city’s parks; whilst across the pond in the U.S.A. it’s the sport for the “in” crowd. Certainly that is the opinion of former England international Matthew Syed, now an acclaimed journalist who is very upbeat about the sport that is currently the height of fashion. In the edition of the “Times” newspaper published on Friday 14th May 2010, Matthew Syed writes in a most upbeat and positive manner about the sport that is now the “in thing”.

Susan Sarandon giving table tennis celebrity status  Photo By: Courtesy of ITTF

The Times
May 14, 2010
Table tennis gets a fashionable spin from Susan Sarandon and bellinis

Jacobson would doubtless be pleased that table tennis has finally discovered its latent chic but he would be even more pleased to know that the sport remains true to its philosophical and democratic fundamentals. ³Ping-pong is the new black,² somebody said to me the other day, and instinctively, and to my great surprise, I knew she wasn¹t kidding.

Source: ittf.com