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Keep cool under pressure, remain focused and the chances of success are increased; there is no player on duty at the ITTF 2013 ITTF Junior Circuit Finals in Guatemala who exemplifies those facets more than Hong Kong’s Li Ching Wan.
If she does not progress to become a senior table tennis player of note then I suggests she plays poker!
There is no a hint of emotion; watching her play you have no idea whether she’s won the point, lost the point or Santa Claus has arrived with ten million dollar cheque!
Recovery
At the quarter-final stage of the Girls’ Singles event in the spacious Domo Polideportivo, she trailed Laura Pfefer of France by three games to one and in the sixth game was behind 6-8; she recovered, won five points in a row and then totally dominated the deciding game.
She won the first points of the seventh game; duly won the match, politely shook hands and quietly left the court. She won 11-7, 8-11, 5-11, 5-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-8.
The Very Opposite
Li Ching Wan must be totally bemused in Guatemala; she is the total antithesis of what it takes to be Latin American.
Watch a Latin American player in action at the ITTF Junior Circuit Finals, or in any other tournament for that matter and they let their emotions rip.
It’s the only part of the world of which I’m aware that when the plane lands safely at the local airport, there is a round of applause. Is that congratulations for the crew or unbridled relief?
Deep Desire
However, don’t let the calm exterior fool you; you might think Li Ching Wan looks bored to tears, she is not.
Inside, deep inside, there is a burning desire to succeed, an ingrained will to win. It was that desire, combined with an outstanding level of consistency that guided Li Ching Wan to success.
Made Mistakes
“In the first four games I made many mistakes with my forehand”, reflected Little Miss Muffet. “She served well, I didn’t receive her service well; she attacked after the service and I kept losing points.”
It was in that situation that the strength of Li Ching Wan shone through; she never gave her opponent the mental advantage. She never gave Laura Pfefer any hint whatsoever that she was experiencing problems.
Changed Service
“I just kept fighting”, added Li Ching Wan. “Also, especially in the seventh game I changed my service; I served long”.
The fact Li Ching Wan served long encouraged a top spin return from Laura Pfefer; as soon as a rally developed Li Ching Wan was always the favourite.
She followed the policy of “if I keep the ball on the table longer than you I’ll win the point”. She did just that.
Semi-Finals
At the semi-final stage, Li Ching Wan meets Singapore’s Isabelle Siyun Li who, in her quarter-final duel, beat Li Ching Wan’s compatriot, Lam Yee Lok, the Singaporean’s defence and ability to attack when the chance arose proving too secure for the Hong Kong teenager.
Isabelle Siyun Li won in five games (9-11,11-6,11-5,11-3,11-9).
Singapore Versus Egypt
Meanwhile, in the opposite half of the draw, there was also success for Singapore.
Zhou Yihan overcame Chinese Taipei’s Huang Hsin (11-2, 11-3, 12-10, 9-11, 11-7) and now meets Egypt’s Dina Meshref in the penultimate round.
Dina Meshref Outstanding
In the round of the last eight, Dina Meshref excelled to beat Japan’s Rika Suzuki; she succeeded in six games (11-9, 5-11, 11-5, 7-11, 14-12, 11-7).
The semi-finals and final will be played on Sunday 27th January 2013, the concluding day of the three day tournament.
Live Stream
All semi-finals and finals will be available on live stream
Order of Play: Sunday 27th January 2013
Girls� Singles: Semi-Finals
10.00: Zhou Yihan (Singapore) v Dina Meshref (Egypt)
10.45: Isabelle Siyun Li (Singapore) v Li Ching Wan (Hong Kong)
Boys� Singles: Semi-Finals
11.30:
12.15:
Girls� Singles: Final
16.00:
Boys� Singles: Final
19.30:
Article by: ITTF - Ian Marshall
Photo by: Ennis Luna
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