Table Tennis: Timo Boll’s Column  "Olympics in Beijing"

Issue No. 6, May 14, 2008

I heard Mr. Liu Guoliang, head coach of Chinese men’s team, has picked me as China’s biggest competitor at the Olympics. It seems he really understands table tennis…well, just kidding! I think because of my strong ball-spinning technique, my capability and style are close to the Chinese when I am in my best form. I feel really honored to learn such a comment from Mr. Liu Guoliang. In my opinion, however, Samsonov could be also very competitive if he reaches his best shape.

I see Mr. Liu Guoliang as a person of frankness and humor. As a player, he was so resourceful in the match with his strong serve ability. Particularly his creative playing style has been followed by many Chinese players. As a coach, his rich experience is a big advantage. In the past or nowadays, Mr. Liu has been a man of integrity. After my retirement, I will stay with the table tennis although I have not decided whether to be a coach or take other jobs.

I have talked before a few times that the biggest challenge to me is my physical conditions, because I can’t every time reach the form I expect. If I can stay fit, without any injury, I have the confidence and will try to defeat any rival, even if I can´t make it in the end. Personally, my biggest challenge is Ma Lin. Yet I have to perform at 100% against any Chinese player to gain some chance. I will try my best although I am apparently not regarded as a favourite due to my earlier injury break.

At the Athens Games, the Korean Rye Seung-min won the men’s single title. Of course the Chinese were then seen as the biggest favorites, so I was also a bit surprised to see that Rye Seung-min finally took the gold medal. But anyway Rye Seung-min played really well back then and I believe his level was very close to the Chinese. In terms of the number of top players, however, no other country can rival China. Within the Chinese team, each internal training match session is a hard challenge for the players.

(First issued: Titan Sports, May 14, 2008)

METRO Cash & Carry co-sponsors Timo Boll, Christian Süß, the German national team as well as the table tennis club Borussia Düsseldorf.  The table tennis sponsorship of METRO Cash & Carry primarliy targets China market with a view to boosting the MCC brand in the country.

Timo Boll, who ranked world No.1 in 2003 and played one season in the Chinese table tennis league in 2006, has become very popular worldwide and especially in China. Currently he is No.5 in the latest ITTF ranking. Table tennis is one of the five most popular sports in the world and number one in China.