ACOG - News - IBM

(29 July 1996; Day 10)

European Hope Disappears from Women's Table Tennis Singles Competition

Europeans' hopes of bringing home a gold in the women's singles competition were shattered with DENG Yaping's (CHN) quarterfinal win over Germany's Nicole STRUSE in today's Olympic Games table tennis competition.

The 1996 European Women's Singles Champion was taken out of her game and was not able to employ her usual strategy against a very strong DENG.

"It is impossible to return DENG's attack -- her serves, her topspin and even her drop shots," said STRUSE. "The biggest problem is that we European players play against the powerful Chinese only once or twice a year. Since they play at the highest level, their tempo is too fast for us and we must take risks."

STRUSE said in Germany a number of older Chinese players participate in leagues, but they are not in their prime playing years.

"The Chinese are not allowed to play outside of China, but they don't have to come to European leagues to play. They are well-paid," said STRUSE.

German women's coach Dirk SCIMMELPENNING agreed.

"The highest level in China is too high for us," he said. "Many times a European player can practice in China, but there are so many top players there we know only the top 10. Behind them are equally strong players, anonymous players, who offer the elite-of-the-elite competition against every style of play. The Chinese study exactingly. With them, table tennis is a science."

The coach said he is pleased with STRUSE's performance.

"We in Germany are not disappointed with this loss to DENG," he said. "Nicole STRUSE had a long, strong season, winning several European titles -- women's team, singles and doubles. This is an outstanding record."

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Kim Chaudoin.


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