Follow the LIVE STREAM of the 2013 America's Team Championships 

Photo and info. source: zimbio.com - teamusa.org/USA-Table-Tennis.aspx

The recently concluded World Championships actually proves that both Zhang Jike and Wang Hao are still the most powerful force in the international scene of table tennis. Even the Chinese head coach Liu Guoliang commended the overall strength his two disciples have displayed in the competition. During the final match of the Men's Singles, Liu Guoliang cited the impressive mental strength of Wang Hao but at the same time, praised Zhang Jike for being steady as a rock. 

 

Tencent Sports. The 2013 World Championships in Paris ended with Zhang Jike and Wang Hao battling it out in the Men's Singles finals, being the fourth consecutive encounter in big competitions. This just proves that at this point, they are still the strongest force in table tennis. 

As the head coach, Liu Guioliang actually believes that Wang Hao's strong mental stability can lead him to victory. Therefore, it was all up to the reigning champion to keep up with the challenge. 

"It was hard to be in the right state of mind in the finals but we saw Wang Hao's courage. Objectively speaking, Zhang Jike has some advantages in terms of power but Wang Hao's mentality is better. He likes to win but not afraid to lose. The match depends on Zhang Jike's performance. It does not entirely depend on Wang Hao." Liu Guoliang started.  

Zhang Jike vs Wang Hao 2013 WTTC MS Finals (Full match)
video kindly shared by janus770

Zhang Jike completely suppressed Wang Hao in the first two sets. "Zhang Jike's defence is better than Wang Hao. In addition, Zhang Jike's transition from defence to offence is also faster. His running was also stronger. But Wang Hao did not lose in the backhand rally." Liu Guoliang added. 

When Zhang Jike earned the next subsequent points, Liu Guoliang said: "The attacking quality of Zhang Jike is much stronger than Wang Hao." 

At the end of the second set, Wang Hao committed a lot of mistakes which allowed his opponent to lead in 2-0. "Wang Hao has spared Zhang Jike the trouble in the match. If he only had more variations and was much faster, it is possible for him to score. Wang Hao put much emphasis on the strength and being vicious. That moment, he needed rhythm and continuity. Zhang Jike needed to win that leg in order to win over Wang Hao. You see Wang Hao stumbling while Zhang Jike was steady as a rock." 

Liu Guoliang believes that the fourth set was the focal point for both Zhang Jike and Wang Hao. When Wang Hao led in 8-6, the head coach said: "Now, the match has already reached the stage for the battle of wits. At this point, the bottom line is the psychological strength." 

When Zhang Jike posted his 3-1 lead, Liu Guoliang said: "Zhang Jike can have such good results in big competitions. He is still superior to the others. In critical moments, he can be more ruthless. His wisdom and composure in big competitions are extraordinary." 

At the end, Zhang Jike won the match in 11-7, 11-8, 6-11, 14-12, 5-11, 11-7, successfully defending his title. 

Photo source: sports.qq.com

 

Against all odds was the drama for Zhang Jike in the recently concluded World Championships in Paris. Yes, he was the defending champion and the newest Grand Slam champion, but his poor performances prior to the competition made everyone feel not optimistic on him winning the title. However, Zhang Jike once again surprised us as he took centre stage, winning every battle into the finals and finally exceeding the expectations. More than than, Zhang Jike revealed that he is on his way to his second Grand Slam.  

 

Tencent Sports. The 2013 World Championships had different winners in all events except for the Men's Singles after the reigning champion Zhang Jike successfully defended his title. Could he really be aiming for the second Grand Slam? 

In the 2011 Rotterdam World Championships, Zhang Jike won the final match against Wang Hao but was given the wrong trophy during the awarding ceremony. So before the recently concluded World Championships in Paris started, the defending champion hoped to be holding the real trophy at the end of the competition. That was his wish. 

Who would have knew that despite doubts on him for the competition, Zhang Jike was serious in fulfilling his wish. He was winning every game and eventually reached the finals. Against a familiar opponent, Wang Hao, Zhang Jike scored 4-2. In the end, his wish was granted. 

Zhang Jike vs Wang Hao 2013 WTTC MS Finals (Highlights)
video kindly shared by ittfchannel

"Before this world championships, I know that everyone is not very optimistic about me. As a result, I used actions to prove other's judgements wrong. Yes, athletes need to constantly make history. After I took the Grand Slam, my goals were in a trance. Coach Liu (Guoliang) has repeatedly talked with me allowing me to recognise the problem. The goal now is to put the past and start all over again for my second Grand Slam!" Zhang Jike confirmed. 

Photo source: sports.qq.com

 

Wang Hao has surpassed all expectations in the recently concluded World Championships after he succeeded the second seed Ma Long in the semifinals and performing well in the finals against Zhang Jike. Although, Wang Hao settled for the runner up position, head coach Liu Guoliang considers him as a positive energy in the arena. However, as for the question if he can still adhere t0 2016 Rio Olympics, Liu Guoliang has some worries. 

 

Sina Sports. Being able to play in the finals in the 2013 World Championships Men's Singles, Wang Hao is undoubtedly still a force to reckon with in the world of table tennis. He just proves that although he has just been through his golden age, he can keep up.  

In the evening of May 19 in the French capital, Wang Hao met Ma Long for the semi-finals. Looking on the comprehensive strength, Ma Long undoubtedly has the advantage who has repeatedly shown everyone how can he be deadly in the arena. However, the match turned out in favour of Wang Hao who sealed the match with 4-2, advancing into the finals. 

Wang Hao vs Ma Long 2013 WTTC MS SF (Highlight)
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Against Zhang Jike, Wang Hao was still able to show his strengths but winning seemed a harder task. In six, sets, Wang Hao settled as the runner up. 

"I think Wang Hao is an example, a certain kind of force, and a positive energy that allow people to see his courage. To be honest, I did not expect to see him play in the finals but he performed well. I think Wang Hao has risen to a kind of state surpassing the level of general athletes." Liu Guoliang said. 

Wang Hao is already 29 years old. Compared to other athletes like Zhang Jike, Ma Long and Xu Xin, Wang Hao will eventually have lesser opportunities in big competitions soon. However, with the kind of strength, would it be such a waste not to see Wang Hao in the arena for the next four years? 

"Actually, Wang Hao's strength is not bad at all. Although he is already not in his golden age, he is still not at all old. He will just be turning thirty this December. However, I also feel bad for Wang Hao after all he has been in the Olympic finals thrice. As a Chinese table tennis person, players and coaches have great pressures. I think I should allow everyone to enjoy the sport, enjoy the competition and give their happiness. Otherwise, only the winner will be happy. This will be detrimental to the development of the athletes. So if he can adhere to 2016 or not, as of now, his comprehensive strength is still obvious. However, considering our plans for successions, I still haven't made enough preparations (making a choice)." Liu Guoliang concluded. 

After the Men's Singles finals, Wang Hao has revealed the thought that he is drifting away. Winning the runner up was not a disappointment for him as he just enjoyed the competition. In addition, Wang Hao would like to dedicate his latest game to his coach Wu Jingping, and other older teammates like Ma Lin, Chen Qi, Wang Liqin, Qiu Yike and Hao Shuai. 

"They were in their last World Championships expedition. It might also be the last for me." Wang Hao said. 

Wang Hao vs Ma Long 2013 WTTC MS SF (Full match)
video kindly shared by janus770

Photo source: sports.qq.com

There is no doubt that the Chinese players were still the men to beat in the recently concluded World Championships. There is no question about that however, if you would say that they did not have any threats in the competition, Liu Guoliang will certainly disagree, pointing out the discovery of the Japanese rookie Kenta Matsudaiura as the biggest highlight in the competition. 

 

Tencent Sports. The Chinese payers may have been the men to beat in the 2013 World Championships but it doesn't mean that they were not threatened. Liu Guoliang considers Kenta Matsudaira as their biggest threat in the competition. 

The Japanese Team started off with the wrong foot after their highest seed Jun Mizutani was eliminated in first round. With this, who would have expected that a certain Japanese rookie named Kenta Matsudaira will take his role and lead the Japanese Team. 

In the second round of the Men's SIngles (Round 64), Kenta Matsudaira caused the first casualty for the Chinese Team as he defeated the 2008 Olympic champion Ma Lin in just five sets. In the Round 16, the Japanese player once again stood victorious against an experienced and world class player and he was Vladimir Samsonov. 

Kenta Matsudaira vs Ma Lin 2013 WTTC MS Round 2
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Kenta Matsudaira vs Vladimir Samsonov 2013 WTTC MS Round 16
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This eventually gave him a ticket to the quarterfinals battling it out against the top seed Xu Xin. During the game, Matsudaira placed the Chinese player in danger after he had good control over rallies and took a 2-1 lead. 

Kenta Matsudaira vs Xu Xin 2013 WTTC MS QF
video kindly shared by janus770

Although Kenta Matsudaira wasn't able to fully overcome Xu Xin, his display of raw talent was enough to impress a lot of people, Liu Guoliang included, who admitted to have felt threatened. In addition, Liu Guoliang considers the discovery of Kenta Matsudaira as the biggest highlight in the competition. 

"It is undeniable that he won over Ma Lin, Vladimir Samsonov and took a lead of 2-1 against our top seed Xu Xin in the quarterfinals. It wasn't an accident. He is entirely capable of causing an upset." Liu Guoliang said. 

Lastly, Liu Guoliang cited that sometimes, having the confidence is much more important than being technically strong.

"Over the years, we have not given our opponents a chance for breathing space. They have always felt that fighting against Chinese players until the end is very difficult. On the other hand, out team players have never doubt that they can achieve final victory. Sometimes, confidence is more critical than technology." Liu Guoliang concluded.  

Photo source: sportsphoto.cn

 

The European leagues are back after the 2013 World Championships held in Paris. The last phase of the Russian League will kick off on Sunday to define the champion. Vladimir Samsonov's and Dimitrij Ovtcharov's Orenburg and Ma Lin's UMMC are favorites for the title.

The last phase of the Russian League will be held from 26th to 29th May. The best clubs of the round-robin tournament won a place in play-offs. Orenburg of Samsonov and Ovtcharov and UMMC of Ma Lin are the top seeds in the final phase, which consists in a draw. 

Orenburg will face Kuban-Cedin in quarterfinals, while UMMC will meet Signal. If Ovtcharov and Co. emerge successfully, they will face the winner between Ulan-Ude and SDYUSSHOR N°13. If Ma Lin's club wins, it will meet the winner between Moscow and Vladimir. 

Orenburg is the defending champion and and also the reigning champion of the 2012-13 European Championships, it expects to capture another title this season. On the other hand, UMMC with Hou Yingchao and Ma Lin hopes to finally steal a title from Orenburg. Last year Ovtcharov and Co. overcame UMMC in the final of the Russian League, European Champions League and European Super League. 

Photo and info. source: ttfr.ru - ettu.org

The European Table Tennis Association informed that the International Table Tenns Federation was thinking of adding a mixed doubles event for Rio de Janeiro 2016, so they submitted the proprosal to the International Olympic Committee last year. This topic is on the table again, because this proposal will be analyzed during the meeting of the IOC Executive Board at the end of this month.

The 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro will probably have another event, besides the singles and team events. It was informed that the International Table Tennis Federation was interested in adding the mixed doubles event but ITTF doesn't have the authority to make this decision. Therefore, ITTF submitted its proposal to International Olympic Committee, who can do this kind of changes. 

 

The International Federation presented this proposal last year and IOC will analyze it during a meeting to be held on 29th -31st May on the Russian city of Saint Petersburg. According to what ETTU informed, this proposal has 3 key points: 

 

- The mixed doubles event will include 16 pairs

- The pairs will be made up of players already qualified from the teams and individual events. This means the 86 men and 86 women quota will stay the same

- National OC will be able to enter 4 out of 5 events. For example, if France qualifies in men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s team, women’s team and mixed doubles, they would have to choose which 4 events that would like to play in.  

Do you think that it is a good idea to include the mixed doubles event in the Olympic Games? 

Photo and info. soure: straitstimes.com - ettu.org 

Players of the French League doesn't rest. One day after the 2013 World Championships held in Paris, the French League had its 16th round, where there were no surprises. Gao Ning's Chartres posted a sweeping victory over Istres and stays in the first place, while Marcos Freitas' Pontoise also emerged successfully over Isseenne and is in the second place.

Chartres got another victory in the French League and stays at the top of the French League. Istres of Christophe Legout was its victim this time. Damien Eloi got the first match after beating Jian Chen by 3:1. Then Gao Ning stood victorious over Legout by 3:1. Pär Gerell fought hard but he manged to win by 3:2 over Antoine Hachard. Gao Ning repeated success over Jian Chen by 3:1 and secured victory for Chartres. 

Freitas's Pontoise also won in the 16th round against Isseenne of Enzo Angles. Peter Franz won the first match against Alexandre Robinot by 3:2. Wang Jian Jun stood victorious over Lin Ju by 3:0 in the second match. Freitas defeated Enzo Angles by 3:0 in the third match and Wang Jian Jun sealed victory after beating Robinot by 3:2. 

La Romagne of Abdel Kader Salifou got a victory as well and is in the third place of the league. Bai Feng Tian won the first point for Hennebont as he defeated Tianyuan Chen by 3:2 in the opening match. Then Salifou overcame leveled after beating Dimitrij Prokopcov by 3:2. Brice Ollivier stood victorious over Kalinikos Kreanga by 3:2 got the second point for La Romagne. Chen Tianyuan redeemed himself and beat Prokopcov by 3:0. Ollivier scored the last point for La Romagne after defeating Bai by 3:0. 

Angers of Panagiotis Gionis also could celebrate in this round. Segun Tariola beat Jens Lundquist by 3:2 and got the first point for Argentan. But Gionis leveled at 1:1 as he defeated Monday Merotohun by 3:0. Benjamin Brossier increased Angers' advantage as he overcame Thiago Monteiro by 3:0. Jens Lundquist took revenge and beat Merotohun by 3:0. Brossier secured victory after defeating Segun Tariola by 3:1. Saint Maur of Roko Tosic also got a victory over St Louis by 4:2. 

Women's French League: 

Kremlin 4-2 Ent Mirande/Cugnaux

St Quentin 3-3 St Bert St Loup

Souche Niort 4-1 ALCL 

Lys Lannoy 4-0 As Miramas

Metz 4-2 Poitiers

Kalinikos Kreanga vs Brice Ollivier Video kindly shared by TableTennisEvents

Photo and info. source: intensite.net - fftt.com/pro 

Xu Xin couldn't keep his top seed in Paris as he fell against the eventual champion Zhang Jike in semifinals. However, he remains at the top of the world ranking list, while Zhang Jike went up to the third place. Ding Ning, as Xu Xin, was also eliminated in semifinals by the eventual champion Li Xiaoxia, and also stays in the first place. On the other hand, the new world champion didn't see improvements in her ranking and remains in the third place.

Although Xu Xin didn't win the 2013 World Championships held in Paris, he remains in the first place of the world ranking list. The world champion Zhang Jike didn't see big improvements and only went up from the fourth to the third place. The semifinalist Ma Long stays in the second place, while Wang Hao fell from the third to the fourth place. 

There were no changes until the ninth place. Timo Boll is in the fifth place followed by Chuang Chih-Yuan, Dimitrij Ovtcharov, Ma Lin and Wang Liqin. Samsonov, who was in the 11th spot, exchanged places with Jun Mizutani and went back to the top ten. Yan An, who lost to Wang Hao in quarterfinals, moved from 14th to 12th place. Koki Niwa also went up in the world ranking, from 22th to 19th. 

The players who caused upsets in Paris saw more improvements in their ranking positions. Patrick Baum, who eliminated Dimitrij Ovtcharov, moved from 29th to 23th. Kenta Matsudaira, who beat Ma Lin and Vladimir Samsonov, gave a big jump, from 58th to 28th spot. Noshad Alamiyan, who defeated Adrien Mattenet, climbed up from 51st to 44th. Omar Assar, who eliminated Adrian Crisan, also went up in the world ranking, from 103rd to 74th, and is in the top ten for first time. Simon Gauzy, who beat Seo Hyundeok, moved from 110th to 98th. Czech Republic's Pavel Sirucek, who eliminated Jun Mizutani, climbed up from 131st to 103rd. 

In the women's world ranking Ding Ning remains in the first place and reaches her 20th month at the top. The former world champion is followed by Liu Shiwen and Li Xiaoxia, whose world title wasn't enough to go up in the raking list. Although Feng Tianwei fell in quarterfinal, she stays in the fourth place and is followed by Zhu Yuling, who beat her. Wu Yang, who reached quarterfinals, moved from 9th to 6th place. Shen Yanfei of Spain remains in the 7th place, while Chen Meng climbed from 11th to 8th place. Kasumi Ishikawa, who lost in the round of 32, fell to the 9th spot. 

Ai Fukuhara also went down in the world ranking due to her early elimination, from 12th to 15th. On the contray, Seo Hyowon went up  from 21st to 16th place. Ri Myong Sun of North Korea, who beat Ishikawa and reached quarterfinals, jumped from 44th to 27th spot. Hu Melek of Turkey, who defeated Shen Yanfei and also reached quarterfinals, gave a big jump, from 101st to 50th place. Tetaina Bileknko of Ukraine was rewarded for reaching the round of 16 and moved from 89th to 55th. Park Seonhye of Korea, who eliminated Fukuhara, moved from 166th to 104 spot. 

Photo and info.source: news.xinhuanet.com - ittf.com 

Vladimir Samsonov couldn't clinch a medal in the recently finished 2013 World Championships held in Paris but he was awarded with another prize. The Belarussian player received the Richard Bergmann Fair Play Trophy, whose name is after the legend who won more than 22 medals in World Championships. 

Although Vladimir Samsonov couldn't step up to the podium in the 2013 World Championships held in Paris, he received a honourable prize. The player of Belarus was awarded the Richard Bergman Fair Play Trophy, which he gave to the Olympic Glory Museum of Belarus . The name of the Trophy is after the Austrian-English  player, who won 22 medals in World Championships. Bergman was crowned champion in four occasions, Baden 1937, Cairo 1939, London 1948 and Budapest 1950.  

In Paris Samsonov was suprised by Kenta Matsudaira of Japan in the round of 16. After a full-distance match, the Belarussian player  was beaten by 11:3, 13:15, 14:12, 8:11, 9:11, 11:3 and 8:11. In the previous rounds Samsonov overcame Kuwait's Ibrahem Al-Hasan by 4:1, Greece's Panagiotis Gionis by 4:2 and Croatia's Andrej Gacina by 4:1.  

Kenta Matsudaira vs Vladimir Samsonov Video kindly shared by ittfchannel

Vladimir Samsonov vs Andrej Gacina Video kindly shared by ittfchannel

Photo and info. source: zimbio.com - ittf.com