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Runner up in the Girls’ Singles event at the 2013 World Junior Championships in the Moroccan city of Rabat, beaten by Chinese National Team colleague, Gu Yuting in the final; on Wednesday 20th August at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games it was one step higher for Liu Gaoyang.
She followed in the footsteps of her nemesis, Gu Yuting who had won the Women’s Singles title four years earlier at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.
Imperiously she claimed the top step of the podium to receive the precious gold medal.
Traditionally Strong Area
At the final hurdle, Liu Gaoyang, the no.2 seed, beat Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem, the no.1 seed, in five games (11-6, 11-5, 6-11, 11-1, 11-3).
It was a most impressive performance from the 18 year old who hails from Shandong Province in the north of China, the same area of China as the two most recent Olympic Games Men’s Singles gold medallists, Ma Lin and Zhang Jike.
Smooth Style
Left handed, her play as smooth as silk she moved through the gears like a top of the range Rolls Royce easing its way down the motorway to its ultimate destination.
The backhand block was safe secure, creating angles, making Doo Hoi Kem move and forcing errors; equally the velvet exquisitely timed forehand, wide to the Hong Kong teenager’s forehand reaped dividends.
Played Better
“I played much better than yesterday”, said Liu Gaoyang who at the quarter-final stage had been extended to six games by Chinese Taipei’s Chiu Ssu-Hua.
“Today, I had a good feeling for the ball from the very start of the match; I was soon into a rhythm”, said Liu Gaoyang. “I lost the third game because I hurried, I rushed; I calmed down and played better.”
Technical Level
It was a display of high quality and it paid tribute to the Chinese coaching system; if perfection can be achieved in sport Liu Gaoyang came very near.
“I think maybe my technical level is slightly better than that of Doo Hoi Kem”, added Liu Guoyang, a most polite and courteous young lady was arguably giving very modest response; her technical level is better than any other player in the whole tournament!
Under Pressure
However, technique is only one aspect; ask any great champion and they will tell you that the mental ingredient is just if not more important.
“I’ve been under so much pressure here”, concluded Liu Gaiyang. “I’m homesick, I want to go home.”
Home but that must wait; there is the Team event and there is reasonable chance she may add to her medal haul, she partners a certain Fan Zhendong.
Played Exceptionally Well
Liu Gaoyang responded in every respect and her efforts gained the approval of Yan Sen, the Chinese National Coach, who had guided her fortunes.
“Undoubtedly Liu Gaoyang was under pressure but so was Doo Hoi Kem; I think the two players are of a very similar level but today Liu Gaoyang played exceptionally well”, said Yan Sen. “I think she played at 80 per cent or even at 90 per cent of her practice level.”
Considering the importance of the contest that was an extremely high percentage.
Changes
“Doo Hoi Kem only made small changes to her play, Liu Guoyang made many more”, added Yan Sen. “I don’t think Doo Hoi Kem was in good shape today; she didn’t play to her potential, Liu Gaoyang was relaxed and played well.”
Liu Gaoyang certainly played well, a fact Zhang Rui, the coach of Doo Hoi Kem, recognised.
“Today Liu Gaoyang was full of energy, she was too strong”, said Zhang Rui. “There was a lot of pressure today, Olympic Games produces a very special atmosphere.”
Special Performance
A special atmosphere and from Liu Gaoyang, it was a special performance, the Women’s Singles title secured in style; great style and have we seen a future Olympic Games gold medallist?
Liu Gaoyang in Tokyo in 2020?
Article by: Ian Marshall
Photo by: Rémy Gros
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