June 22, 2009
Curtain Closes on Successful Visit to Chengdu
 Guo Yue successful at the semi-final stage in Hangzhou. Photo By: Ayoade Ademakinwa |
Courtesy of ITTF All concerned are of one voice; the days spent at the Chengdu International Training have been a success. Throughout the proceedings, Dejan Papic has been on duty as the coach appointed by the International Table Tennis Federation with the ITTF World Hopes Team. |
He has been impressed with what he has seen.
Not Necessarily the Best
"The Chinese players may not have been the best of the country”, said Dejan Papic. “However, one of them beat Noshad Alamiyan but he was surprised by Omar Assar.”
The player in question is Liu Chang who beat Noshad Alamiyan in the Boys’ Singles event and progressed to the final where he suffered at the hands of Omar Assar.
Improved Player
“I have to say that whatever the ITTF is doing with Omar Assar, it is right, because the last time I saw him he was a bit soft, now he has become now faster, he anticipates better and he is more tactically aware”, explained Dejan Papic. “Winning the tournament was a very good result, it sends a good message.”
Certainly winning in China is an achievement.
Tamolwan Khetkuen
“A nice surprise with the Thai player; even if maybe I think she missed the opportunity to win her first title”, continued Dejan Papic. “Perhaps the preparation before coming here was not the best but she challenged players four years older than her."
The player in question is Tamolwan Khetkuen, a player who caught the eye time and again.
Talent
“She is a great talent that can go further in the senior ranks”, said Dejan Papic. “Talent and a dedicated coach, very normal, very modest, something we do not see too much in these days unfortunately".
The efforts of Tamolwan Khetkuen were very impressive as were the efforts of other members of the ITTF World Hopes Team.
Surprised
“It has been a long time since I worked with under 12 age group players; I was really surprised how well they played”, continued Dejan Papic. “Tactically they are aware, their attitude is good; it will be interesting to see when they will grow up, what level they can achieve; they are in some ways like senior players, it is just the muscles that are missing.”
Positive comments and there were positive comments regarding Chengdu.
Best Facilities
"These are the best facilities I've seen in China, everything is in the same place; the people were very friendly; definitely I would bring a team next year.”
The visit was a credit to all concerned with the efforts made by the staff and officials from the Chengdu International Training Centre outstanding; quite simply co-operation equaled success.
A new project had made an outstandingly successful start.
The medalists in the ITTF Hopes events with (far right) Fu Bin, the Venue &
Equipment Division Director of the Chinese Table Tennis Association's
Western International Table Tennis Centre.
Photo courtesy of CTTA Western International Table Tennis Centre
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