DaveR
01-10-2008, 10:12 AM
China has never been a country that's short of good table tennis players.
But ..........a new rule that comes into play at the Beijing Olympics will make things a little difficult for the Chinese: A maximum three Chinese men's players and as many women will make it to the summer games - but it is still a question of who will get the chance.
http://www.cctv.com/program/sportsscene/20071226/images/104814_1198657133166.jpg
The world's top four women players - Zhang Yining, Wang Nan, Guo Yue and Li Xiaoxia - will vie for three Olympic berths.
Olympic singles and doubles champion Zhang Yining has been battling poor form and nagging injuries this year.
But Zhang Yining is sure she is returning to form.
Zhang Yining, Triple Olympic Champion, said, "I am doing all right but actually I think I can do better. I am still in the process of adjustment."
Triple Olympic gold medallist Wang Nan is the oldest of the four. The 29-year-old has postponed her retirement for one more shot at Olympic glory.
Meanwhile, the world number four, Li Xiaoxia, knocked out the Olympic and world champion Zhang Yining four-two to make the final at the year-ending "Good Luck Beijing" ITTF ProTour Finals recently.
Li Xiaoxia, World No.4, said, "I would say that everybody in our team is very inspired in their preparations for the Beijing Games. Whoever is going to be picked to compete in the Olympics next year will give their best."
Guo Yue, another rising star, is already well known for her aggressive style.
http://www.cctv.com/program/sportsscene/20071226/images/104814_1198657082512.jpg
The 19-year-old made her breakthrough last May by beating Zhang Yining and Li Xiaoxia to claim the singles title in the Zagreb World Championships.
Guo Yue, World No.2, said,"I am learning some new things in the technical aspect of my game. I am still practicing the new techniques."
On the men's side, Wang Hao has been in good form this year, taking the world's top ranking in October.
His team-mate Ma Lin suffered once again as he squandered a huge lead to lose his third career world final to Wang Liqin this year.
Meanwhile, three-time world singles winner Wang Liqin is a heavy favourite for an Olympic berth despite struggling in the second half of this year.
Wang Liqin, World No.3, said,"I am working hard on my preparations. I am very much looking forward to the Beijing Olympics and I have only one target - that is to win the championship. I hope I can put in a good performance in our homeland by the time the Olympics come, in both the singles and the doubles."
China have to send their best three singles paddlers to the Beijing Olympics as the men's singles event is rated as the most difficult to win.
The video and news information is in the video below...........
http://www.cctv.com/video/sportsscene/2007/12/sportsscene_300_20071226_6.shtml
But ..........a new rule that comes into play at the Beijing Olympics will make things a little difficult for the Chinese: A maximum three Chinese men's players and as many women will make it to the summer games - but it is still a question of who will get the chance.
http://www.cctv.com/program/sportsscene/20071226/images/104814_1198657133166.jpg
The world's top four women players - Zhang Yining, Wang Nan, Guo Yue and Li Xiaoxia - will vie for three Olympic berths.
Olympic singles and doubles champion Zhang Yining has been battling poor form and nagging injuries this year.
But Zhang Yining is sure she is returning to form.
Zhang Yining, Triple Olympic Champion, said, "I am doing all right but actually I think I can do better. I am still in the process of adjustment."
Triple Olympic gold medallist Wang Nan is the oldest of the four. The 29-year-old has postponed her retirement for one more shot at Olympic glory.
Meanwhile, the world number four, Li Xiaoxia, knocked out the Olympic and world champion Zhang Yining four-two to make the final at the year-ending "Good Luck Beijing" ITTF ProTour Finals recently.
Li Xiaoxia, World No.4, said, "I would say that everybody in our team is very inspired in their preparations for the Beijing Games. Whoever is going to be picked to compete in the Olympics next year will give their best."
Guo Yue, another rising star, is already well known for her aggressive style.
http://www.cctv.com/program/sportsscene/20071226/images/104814_1198657082512.jpg
The 19-year-old made her breakthrough last May by beating Zhang Yining and Li Xiaoxia to claim the singles title in the Zagreb World Championships.
Guo Yue, World No.2, said,"I am learning some new things in the technical aspect of my game. I am still practicing the new techniques."
On the men's side, Wang Hao has been in good form this year, taking the world's top ranking in October.
His team-mate Ma Lin suffered once again as he squandered a huge lead to lose his third career world final to Wang Liqin this year.
Meanwhile, three-time world singles winner Wang Liqin is a heavy favourite for an Olympic berth despite struggling in the second half of this year.
Wang Liqin, World No.3, said,"I am working hard on my preparations. I am very much looking forward to the Beijing Olympics and I have only one target - that is to win the championship. I hope I can put in a good performance in our homeland by the time the Olympics come, in both the singles and the doubles."
China have to send their best three singles paddlers to the Beijing Olympics as the men's singles event is rated as the most difficult to win.
The video and news information is in the video below...........
http://www.cctv.com/video/sportsscene/2007/12/sportsscene_300_20071226_6.shtml