With the
2008 Beijing Olympic Games around the corner,
one Shanghai native will have his name appear more and more in the
national headlines - top paddler Wang Liqin, the most popular and
controversial table tennis player in China.
As a three-time world champion and former world No 1, Wang is no
doubt one of the best paddlers in the world. His gentle manners,
stylish looks, introverted personality and a love affair with a
movie star have brought him legions of ping-pong fans and media
coverage all over Asia.
But just one year before the home Games, the 29-year-old veteran
has endured the worst season of his career. Despite claiming the
men's singles title at the 2007 World Championships in Zagreb,
Croatia, Wang has been piling up the losses. This year, he played
in 10 ITTF Pro Tour tournaments, the busiest season of his career,
but failed to claim a single title.
At last week's year-end International Table Tennis Federation
(ITTF) Pro Tour Grand Finals in Beijing, Wang lost to World Cup
champion Wang Hao in the singles semifinal, his sixth loss to Wang
Hao in as many months. Wang Liqin's shaky performance raised
questions about his chances of representing China at next year's
Games among fans and local media.
Speculation is mounting about his technique, his mental state
and even his relationship status, as one question in particular
lingers: Can Wang Liqin come back in 2008?
Turning point
In order to become the best of the best, Wang is willing to
change his technique and talk about his problems.
Last week after losing in the Grand Finals singles semifinal, he
spent about 10 minutes in the mixed zone patiently taking the
media's bombardment, quite a departure from his usual attitude.
"This year I have been trying to improve my backhand skills and
practice new playing styles," he said
"My 2007 season was not that bad and I did my best. I am trying
to get rid of my old style and draw lessons from my losses.
"If I stick to my new style, I can get back on my feet."
Wang took up table tennis when he was six so it has been
difficult to alter the playing style he has used for 23 years.
As the oldest player on the national team, Wang Liqin is facing
a strong challenge from a young generation led by Ma Long, Chen Qi
and Hao Shuai. All three young guns took Pro Tour singles titles
during the 2007 season.
Wang's once-powerful forehand and outstanding stamina have not
been enough to gain the upper hand on the youngsters.
"Those young players do put a lot of pressure on the old guys
like Wang Liqin and force the veterans to enhance their abilities,
which is a good thing for our team," said Chinese head coach Liu
Guoliang. "This competition is the key for us to maintain such a
high level for decades."
According to ITTF rules, every federation has three berths for
the men's and women's competitions at the Games. World No 1 Ma Lin
and World Cup-holder Wang Hao have already ensured their spots in
the national team's Olympic lineup, leaving only one place open for
the rest of the star-studded Chinese squad.
"Now our abilities are getting closer and I don't have an
absolute edge over them," Wang Liqin said. "So if I have to play in
the qualifiers to get the Olympic berth, I don't think it's a bad
thing for me."
"I am ready for the competition and I have the confidence to
become a better me."
The perfectionist
Wang is a typical man from Shanghai, a perfectionist in both his
personal life and his career.
He always looks neat and has kept the same hairstyle for a
decade. He loves to read fashion magazines and buy expensive
clothes. He likes watching Formula One and Michael Shumacher is his
idol.
Though reluctant to take interviews, he enjoys taking pictures.
He tries to keep his distance from the media, and when he talks he
only talks about his sporting career.
After paparazzi caught him dating a famous movie actress in
February, Wang only asked the media "Is the picture clear?" and
then kept silent about the whole thing.
"I only do things I like. Since I was a kid, I've been a very
independent person and I don't like to share my affairs with
others," he said.
Since taking the World Championship title in 2001 on his way to
becoming the world's best paddler, Wang has put much pressure on
himself to play better and stay unbeatable.
"I am a perfectionist and of course I want to win my every
match," he said.
But now, China's head coach is worried Wang's perfectionism may
affect him down the road.
"Wang Liqin is too demanding of himself. He always wants to play
better, which is not a good thing for him. He must forget what he
has achieved and accept failures," Liu said.
"I still believe in him. If he can shake off his burden and
sharpen his backhand skills, he will be back."
(China Daily December 21, 2007)
