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Beijing Olympics: African Sensation is Saive’s Nightmare

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Segun TORIOLA, Nigeria against Jean-Michel SAIVE, Belgium; it was the match of the eighth day in the Peking University venue. The probable best African player is only number 115 in the world ranking, but never in his match against SAIVE (no. 26) there was a visible difference. The match in the night session (starting time 22:00) was the most attractive so far at the Olympic Games and the patient spectators did not regret their stay. “I never played so well, my forehand was very good”, Segun TORIOLA said after the match. “I’m the first one in Africa to have stepped into the top 32.”

Saive’s Last Olympics?
Jean-Michel SAIVE was in a different mood after the match. “I’m very disappointed about the results today. I knew it could be a tough match. When I led 7-1 in the last game, I thought I could win.” Of course the six times Olympian was also asked on whether this was his last Olympics. “I don’t know. I’m 39 in November, and it’s probably my last Olympics. But I’ll continue to play. If I’m still able to play in two years’ time, I will try to get into the next Olympics. It’s much too early to say today, isn’t it?”

Aussie Player Close to Sensation
Australia’s William HENZELL was close to creating the biggest sensation of the day. The 26 year old was leading 3-1 in games against YOON Jae Young (KOR), bronze medallist in the Men’s team event. HENZELL did not show any respect and bothered YOON with his unorthodox services.
”I’m pretty disappointed, but I played two of my best matches (against Jens LUNDQVIST, Sweden and YOON Jae Young, Korea). I felt as though the fourth game was really important to win. But after that YOON fought back hard and played much better than he did in the first half. He has a very good serve and an excellent topspin on his first ball, he made it very hard.”

Two North Korean Men still in the Draw
The players from Korea DPR are mostly unknown and not that high ranked in the ITTF World Ranking. Today they proved that they are absolutely competitive, even on the world stage. KIM Hyok Bong (no. 101) overcame CHIANG Peng-Lung (Chinese Taipei, no. 23) and defensive player JANG Song Man (103) eliminated Spain’s HE Zhi Wen (no. 37). KIM will face Germany’s Timo BOLL in the round of the last 32; JANG will challenge Hong Kong’s LI Ching.

Asian Women Dominating
The women’s draw is in Asian hands. The second round was the final destination for all European players. The only European exceptions were LI Jie and LI Jiao from the Netherlands as well as LI Qiangbing (AUT). However, all of the three ladies were born in China. GAO Jun, WANG Chen (both USA) and WU Xue (DOM) also represent a country outside of Asia. Yet they all have an Asian background too.

The Chinese top players made a short shrift of their opponents. ZHANG Yining, WANG Nan as well as GUO Yue conceded no single game. “The atmosphere at the Singles event is very different”, GUO Yue, world singles champion 2007, said after the match. “I feel that I performed pretty well today. I demonstrated my skills from training.”

ITTF Press Release

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Beijing Olympics: African Sensation is Saive’s Nightmare

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