(31 July 1996; Day 12)
For the second time in her career, China's DENG Yaping took home the Olympic women's singles table tennis gold medal.
The number-one-ranked women's singles player in the world, DENG showed her championship form in today's match, struggling in the gold medal round against CHEN Jing (TPE). Jumping out to easy wins in the first two games of the match, DENG had a difficult third game. The momentum went CHEN's way and she won the third and the fourth games. In the fifth and deciding game, DENG came out strong taking an early 11:02 lead. A number of unforced errors by CHEN sealed the game and the gold medal for DENG.
"I prepared a long time for the Olympics," said DENG, 23. "I knew CHEN was tough. I just tried to go out and play the way I normally do. We both tried our best and we both played hard. It was an excellent game. It was good for competition."
DENG has had a successful Olympics. Not only did she repeat as the women's singles gold medalist, she and partner QIAO Hong won the women's doubles gold medal on Tuesday.
"I had more tears today than ever before and I've won medals before," said DENG. "I've been playing for so long. I've won the gold medal in different competitions 14 times. I've really worked hard since I won the gold in Barcelona. I think that's why I'm so happy."
The 1995 world women's singles and doubles champion, DENG is known for her close-to-the-table, quick counterdriving play.
This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Kim Chaudoin.
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| Closing Ceremony of the 1996 Games involved a crew of 2,100 who worked with more than 3,500 performers as well as thousands of athletes who celebrated on the field of Olympic Stadium. |