Olympic, the word can have contrasting effects on athletes; that was to be the situation at the quarter-final stage of the Men’s Singles event on Tuesday 19th August in the Wutaishan Gymnasium at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games.

Fan Zhendong, the top seed, had to fight not only his opponent but himself; conversely, his adversary, Hong Kong’s Hung Ka Tak, moved to a higher level, responding the challenge presented by the prestigious multi-sport event.

Eventually Fan Zhendiong prevailed against the no.10 seed, succeeding in a full distance seven games duel (11-5, 9-11, 11-6, 7-11, 11-3, 7-11, 11-5).

 “I made mistakes, I was not at my best and after losing the second game I became nervous”, said Fan Zhendong. “At three-three, thoughts of losing did enter my head, the last time I played Hung Ka Tak I won easily but this is the Youth Olympic Games and strange things can happen.”

Sitting courtside, advising Fan Zhendong was Yan Sen, the player who formed such a successful Men’s Doubles partnership with Wang Liqin.

“Today Fan Zhendong was up and down; he was very tense, he had problems and he had to face those problems, the match was a really good lesson for him”, said Yan Sen. “At the start of the seventh game I told him to compete and keep changing the direction of his play.”

Fan Zhendong competed, in the deciding game he made a good start, gained an early lead and never looked back.

Nevertheless, it was a fine effort from Hung Ka Tak and Zhang Rui, the Hong Kong coach on duty, had every right to be pleased with the efforts of her charge.

“He is so strong, it’s so difficult to beat Fan Zhendong, he’s so powerful”, she said. “Hung Ka Tak did his best and when he could attack quickly with his forehand he was very good; I think he played at a higher level than in previous tournaments and I really think he can maintain this level.”

A well-reasoned approach from Zhang Rui and it was the same from Hung Ka Tak.

“I felt good today; in the seventh game I really found it hard to keep my focus”, said Hung Ka Tak. “It was so hard playing against him, when I could play fast with my forehand I could win but I think I need more experience at this level.”

Article by: Ian Marshall

Photo from ITTF