(27 July 1996; Day 8)
An Olympic medal is a little closer to becoming a reality for Germany's Nicole STRUSE. Ranked 12th in the world, STRUSE advanced to the quarterfinal round of the women's singles table tennis tournament by defeating Yong TU (SUI) 18:21, 21:19, 21:16, 21:17 in Saturday's match.
"I'd never played against her," said STRUSE, 25. "Winning a match three to one seems easy, but it was very hard."
The German lost the first game because of her opponent's ability to return the serve.
"TU was very good at returning my serve in the first game," said STRUSE. "I knew I had to change my service - that I had to change everything about my game. The way she played was new to me.
"I had to fight to the end," she continued. "It got close in the end but I was happy with the way I played."
Next, STRUSE must play China's DENG Yaping, the number-one ranked player in the world. Facing such a tough opponent doesn't worry STRUSE.
"I've nothing to lose playing against her. I'm going to really concentrate on that upcoming match," she said. "I will give my best. I'm just so motivated for this match. I must give more than 110 percent."
STRUSE, a great fighter known for her shot-making, is a successful player in her own right. The 1996 European table tennis champion, STRUSE participated in the 1992 Olympic Games. She and partner Elke SCHALL are also the 1996 European Champions in doubles. The German finished in a tie for third in women's singles at the 1995 European Top 12 as well as the 1994 European Championships. Her mother, Brigitte, introduced her to the sport by taking her to a table tennis club, and has continued to be the most influential person in STRUSE's sports career.
At age 10, STRUSE competed in her first tournament.
STRUSE meets DENG in the quarterfinal round Monday.
This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Kim Chaudoin.
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| Pin trading was one of the most popular Olympic sports, with more than 1.2 million pins changing hands during the Games in the Coca Cola Pin Trading Center at Centennial Olympic Park. |