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Ranking Only a Number, Theory Adds Up to Success for Wong Chun Wan
Defeat in her opening match by Korea’s Lee Zion but in her concluding contest the day, on Thursday 5th December at the 2013 ITTF World Junior Championships in Rabat, it was success for Hong Kong’s Wong Chun Wan.
Listed at no.406 on the current Under 18 Girls’ World Rankings, she beat Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi, named at no.251 in four straight games (11-3, 11-7, 11-7, 11-3) to book her place in the main draw in what is her first and last appearance in an ITTF World Junior Championships.
She was born on Friday 28th April 1995.
“I know she is higher ranked than me”, said Wong Chun Wan after her win against Bruna Takahashi. “I just went out there and tried my best.”
The best of Wong Chun Wan is very promising; technically she is very sound, she moves well and at all times maintains good balance. Maybe she is not a 10 year old child prodigy but it would appear she is improving at the right time to become a senior player of substance and one who could find a regular place in the Hong Kong’s Women’s Team.
“Against Bruna I just thought of playing my game, playing my way and not bothering about her ranking; ranking is only a number”, continued Wong Chun Wan. “I think the key factor in the match was service and receive; I many changes with my services, sometimes top spin, sometimes backspin.”
Not only is Wong Chun Wan technically very correct, clearly she is an intelligent young lady who is able to think for herself during the heat of battle.
Success at the end of the day but in her opening match against Lee Zion, World ranked no.120 on the Under 18 list; it had been defeat after a very promising start.
She won the first game before losing the next four (7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-6, 11-9).
“I watched her play in the team event and I thought I could win”, explained Wong Chun Wan.
Hong Kong had beaten Korea in the quarter-finals of the Girls’ Team event. Wong Chun Wan did not play in the contest; Lee Zion had played Lam Yee Lok and experienced defeat in five games (13-15, 11-9, 11-8, 11-3).
“After winning the first game, I started to think too much about winning and not focusing on my techniques”, added Wong Chun Wan who was delighted at qualifying for the main draw.
“There are so many good players in the competition, players from China, Japan and Korea”, concluded Wong Chun Wan. “I know I can learn from the experience, I feel really honoured.”
Second position against ranking odds and there was one more surprise name who gained second place by overcoming a higher ranked adversary; this time the verdict going in favour of Brazil
Bruna Alexandre secured second place in her group by beating Egypt’s Alia Doaa in six games (11-9, 7-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9).
Presently Bruna Alexandre is listed at no.187 on the Under 18 Girls’ World Ranking, Aliaa Doaa is at no.146.
Play in the group stages concludes on Friday 6th December when the main draw commences.
Video : Wong Chung Wan feeling honoured to have reached the main draw
Article by: ITTF - Ian Marshall
Photo by: Rémy Gros
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