Germany’s Timo Boll and China’s Ma Long booked their places in the
quarter-finals of the Liebherr Men’s World Cup in the Belgian city of
Liège on the morning of Saturday 27th Sepotember 2008.
Both
recorded straight game victories. Timo Boll defeated Nigeria’s Segun
Toriola to secure second place in Group C, behind Kalinikos Kreanga of
Greece; whilst Ma Long reserved the number place in Group B with
victory over Australia’s Trent Carter.
Ma Long won 11-8, 11-4, 11-2, 11-6, whilst Timo Boll succeeded 11-6, 11-1, 11-4, 11-6.
Quizzical
"I just
don’t know what happened", said a bemused Segun Toriola. "I was really
focused, really determined to qualify; perhaps I was too focused, I’m
totally confused."
Well, Richard Prause, the German Men’s Team National Coach can provide the answers.
Short Play
"We
watched Segun Toriola, in rallies, in open play he is very dangerous
but in short play we felt there was a possible weakness", the German
tactician explained. "Playing short, Timo was always the favourite,
over the table he could win and today, Timo returned service very well."
The
fluidity in the play of Segun Toriola, which had been evident on the
opening day against Gao Ning and Kalinikos Kreanga, was missing.
Variety
"Timo
varied the returns, mainly short but long and deep", continued Richard
Prause. "Playing in this fashion upset the rhythm of Segun’s play and
Timo tried to win the points quickly."
It was a well thought out plan and it worked to perfection.
Experience
Meanwhile, for Trent Carter it was a learning experience.
"It’s
the first time for him in such a prestigious tournament", said Marcus
Gustafsson, the Australian National Coach on duty with Trent Carter in
Liège. "He played at the Evergrade Real Estate World Team Championships
in Guangzhou but playing here is very different."
Most certainly it is; only two tables not 40 plus, there was nowhere to hide.
Satisfied
"I
think he played well against Ma Long, I’m satisfied", continued Marcus
Gustafsson. "Always he fights, he wants to learn, he wants to improve;
I can tell him what to change, now having played here he can see what
he needs to change."
Defeats for Trent Carter but a spirited
performance, it is a tournament he’ll always remember and one factor is
for sure; he wants more, on the big stage he is very much at home.
Source: www.ittf.com
