Li Ping held his arms aloft as a backhand topspin stroke from the
Chinese star brought the Mixed Doubles final at the H.I.S. World
Championships in Yokohama to a conclusion early in the afternoon of
Sunday 3rd May 2009.
Partnering Cao Zhen, like Li Ping 22 years old, the duo overcame national team colleagues Zhang Jike and Mu Zi to clinch gold.
Li Ping and Cao Zhen won 11-6, 4-11, 11-7, 9-11, 13-11, 11-8.
Story
It was a story
of when the man played towards the woman success ensued; whoever could
break that pattern would become World Mixed Doubles champion.
The
answer came in the sixth game, a game in which Li Ping was growing in
confidence and was returning service, using the modern day technique of
a vertical forearm and a backhand stroke with a variety of topspin and
sidespin, with great success.
Time Out
In the sixth game the champions elect established a 5-4 lead, Zhang Jike and Mu Zi called Time Out.
However, the momentum was with their adversaries, Li Ping and Cao Zhen went ahead 9-5 and at 10-6 held four championship points.
The
next two points went to Zhang Jike and Mu Zi prompting Li Ping and Cao
Zhen to call Time Out; Cao Zhen, the most experienced player on duty,
gave Li Ping very clear instructions during the one minute break.
The instructions were valid, the next point was won, it was gold for Li Ping and Cao Zhen.
Superb Chinese
Despite
the absence of no less than eight star names Wang Hao, Ma Lin, Ma
Long, Wang Liqin, Chen Qi, Zhang Yining, Li Xiaoxia, Guo Yue, Guo Yan,
Liu Shiwen China had dominated matters.
They provided all four semi-finalists with Hao Shuai and Chang Chenchen plus Zhang Chao and Yao Yan being bronze medallist.
Once again the Chinese were quite simply in a class of their own; superb.
Source: www.ittf.com
