China’s Ma Long was imperious from start to finish in his opening
duel in Group B at the Liebherr Men’s World Cup on the opening day of
play, Friday 26th September 2008, in the Belgian city of Liège.
He
dominated matters from start to finish overcoming Denmark’s Michael
Maze in four straight games. He won 11-3, 11-6, 11-3, 11-9.
Meanwhile,
in the counterpart contest in Group B it was an education for
Australia’s 19 year old Trent Carter, the youngest player in the
tournament.
He was beaten by Jorea’s Joo Se Hyuk.
Joo Se Hyuk won 11-9, 11-7, 11-3, 11-2.
Powered to Victory
Ma Long held all the answers as he powered his way to victory in quick-fire style.
"I’ve
played him three times before and every time I’ve won so today I had
the advantage", said Ma Long who had played in confident mode from
start to finish and never gave the Dane time to draw breath.
More Accustomed
"Gradually
I’m becoming more and more used to the new situation with the glue",
continued Ma Long. "I’ve been practising without speed glue since the
Olympic Games, so I’ve had three weeks practice but of course
everything is weaker, the spin, the speed; it is different not so
strong."
I’m not sure that was the view of Michael Maze as he left the arena.
Faster than Ever
"He
was faster than ever", said the defeated Dane with a wry smile; he had
suffered against sheer relentless power of the Chinese star who didn’t
even make the reserve place in the Chinese team for the Olympic Games.
Pleased with Performance
Meanwhile for Trent Carter is was an education playing Joo Se Hyuk.
"I’m happy with how I played", said a not too dispirited Trent Carter.
"He just puts every ball on the table; you can’t make mistakes against
a player of that class."
Class Act
The
comment made by the Australian teenager was most valid; the opponent
wasn’t from a different planet but he was from a different background,
one steeped in table tennis and as Trent Carter acknowledged he was of
a class higher.
"Yes, in the first game I came back well, I had
a chance but I missed the opportunity", continued Trent Carter; against
Joo Se Hyuk, you simply cannot do that, if he opportunity arises you
must take it, if not it’s goodnight.
Progress
However,
in the first two games the young man from Melbourne underlined the
progress he has made since junior days, he concentrated his attacks
towards the Joo Se Hyuk backhand and he met with success.
The
problem for Trent Carter was the longer the match progressed the better
the rhythm of the Korean and the more difficult to secure precious
points.
Joo Se Hyuk prevailed, Trent Carter learnt.
Source: www.ittf.com
