2012 London Olympic Games - Singapore Clinch Yet Another Bronze!

Singapore Women's Table Tennis Team defeated South Korea 3-0 in the Bronze Medal match to clinch the second medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

The opening match was a rematch of the Quarter Finals where Feng Tianwei took on World No. 5 Kim Kyung Ah. She was in commanding form, winning the first two sets 11-9, 11-8. Her eagerness to win the match caused her to lose the 3rd set 4-11. But Feng managed to fight back in the 4th set to win 13-11.

The Singaporean camp changed their line up, switching veteran Li Jiawei and Wang Yuegu, and the tactic worked! Li Jiawei was up against Seok Ha Jung in the 2nd match. Playing in her first singles match, she was totally merciless. Her fast and accurate attacks proved too good for Seok, winning the first 2 sets 11-5, 11-8 in less than 15 minutes. Li made errors in the 3rd set, resulting in her losing 6-11. However, Li never looked back in the 4th set, she continued her fine form, winning 11-5.

Li then partnered Wang Yuegu in the doubles against Dang Ye Seo and Seok Ha Jung. Li and Wang was dominant in the first 2 sets. They won 11-9, 11-6. But the doubles faltered in the third game again, losing 6-11 to the Koreans. Stung by the loss, Li and Wang made no mistakes in the final set as the wrap up the match 11-5 to win the Bronze Medal.

 Congratulations to the Women's Team for winning the Bronze Medal once again!

2012 London Olympic Games - Bronze Medal Match Line Up

Singapore VS South Korea
Feng Tianwei VS Kim Kyung Ah
Li Jiawei VS Seok Ha Jung
Wang Yuegu / Li Jiawei VS Dang Ye Seo / Seok Ha Jung
Wang Yuegu VS Kim Kyung Ah
Feng Tianwei VS Dang Ye Seo

2012 London Olympic Games - Catch the Women's Team LIVE

Catch the Women's Team LIVE against Republic of Korea in the Bronze Medal Match at 1800H on multiple media!

TV Broadcast 
Channel 5
ESPN 6

Online Broadcast 
YouTube

2012 London Olympic Games - Go For Bronze

The women's team may have lost to Japan, but they still have a chance to win the bronze medal on 7th August 2012, 1800H.

Lets wish the Women's Team ALL THE BEST!!!

2012 London Olympic Games - History Created

Singapore trio of Gao Ning, Yang Zi and Zhan Jian crashed out of the quarter-finals of the Men’s Team after a 3-0 defeat by mighty China. They put in their best, but they still fell short against the defending champions and world no. 1.

Ma Long beat Gao Ning (11-4, 11-5, 11-6), Wang Hao overcame Zhan Jian (11-8, 11-3, 11-4) and the doubles pairing of Wang Hao and Zhang Jike brought matters to an end by crashing Yang Zi and Zhan Jian in three straight games (11-8, 11-9, 11-3).

 It was a 3-nil defeat for our Singaporean camp, but their will to fight, determination and the never give up spirit deserves our applause.

2012 London Olympic Games - More Surprises to Follow!

Singapore's Women's Table Tennis Team will embark on their quest for another medal in the Women's Team Event today. They will be playing Poland later at 1700 hours.

Lets wish the team all the best!

2012 London Olympic Games - Singapore's First Bronze

2nd Olympic Games Table Tennis Medal in history, 3rd Olympic Games Medal in Singapore's history.

Feng Tianwei gave Singaporeans much to cheer about the previous night. She crushed Japan's Ishikawa Kasumi in 4 straight games.

Singapore Table Tennis Team has benefited greatly from the new ruling from ITTF: maximum of 2 singles player per association.

This is Singapore's first table tennis singles medal, and the first win in the bronze medal match in four attempts. The Singapore women's team deputy head coach, Jing Junhong, was defeated at the 2000 Sydney Games. Similarly, Li Jiawei had tried but failed to clinch the bronze in the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Games.

We shall now look forward to the team event which the team hopes to deliver another medal.

2012 London Olympic Games - No All China Singapore Semi Finals

Singapore's dream of a all China - Singapore Semi Finals in the Women's doubles event was crushed by Japan's 19 year old Ishikawa Kasumi. She defeated Wang Yuegu 8-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8, 11-4.

In the past 4 years, Wang beat Ishikawa 2 out of the 3 times they met. Today, the odds was 50-50. Wang captured the first game, but Ishikawa never looked back. Ishikawa increased her speed and attack from both wings to clinch the next 4 sets.

Our hopes now lie in the hands of Feng Tianwei who will take on China's Ding Ning in the Semi Finals.

2012 London Olympic Games - Wang Hao Too Good for Gao Ning

Gao Ning already did his best and he has only his luck to blame for such an unlucky draw.

Gao Ning played extremely well, but China's Wang Hao was even better. Gao faltered 9-11, 7-11, 9-11, 11-7, 3-11.

Gao Ning may meet Wang Hao again in the team event where Singapore is expected to meet the mighty China in the 2nd round of the Men's Team event.

Will Gao Ning be able to take revenge?

2012 London Olympic Games - Upset

The Men's Team suffered another blow yesterday following an unlucky draw in both the Men's Singles and Team draws. Yang Zi lost to host nation's Paul Drinkhall in five games 11-7, 11-7, 11-8, 4-11, 11-9.

Perhaps it was Yang's first match, facing a whole stadium that was supporting Paul, Yang Zi appeared nervous. He made many unforced errors. On the other hand, Paul played with confidence, and was much consistent throughout the match.

Yang Zi's best result was in 2008 Beijing Olympic Games where he caused an upset to reach the round of 16.

2012 London Olympic Games - Draws

Click on the links below to find out the draws!

Men's Singles
http://www.ittf.com/competitions/matches_per_round_OG_m.asp?competition_ID=2003&rnd=32&s_Event_Type=MSQ

Women's Singles
http://www.ittf.com/competitions/matches_per_round_OG_w.asp?competition_ID=2003&rnd=32&s_Event_Type=WSQ

Men's Team
http://www.ittf.com/ittf_team_events/2ndStage/teams_2nd_stage_16_positions_wjc.asp?Tour_Code=2003&Event_Type=MSTM2

Women's Team
http://www.ittf.com/ittf_team_events/2ndStage/teams_2nd_stage_16_positions_wjc.asp?Tour_Code=2003&Event_Type=WSTM2

What do you think of the draws?

2012 London Olympic Games - Draws

The 2012 London Olympic Games Men's and Women's Singles draw will be conducted at 1400 hours on wednesday 25 July 2012 local time (2100 hours Singapore time).

Know Thy Enemy - Ding Ning

In our last post of the Know Thy Enemy Series, we will be introducing to you the reigning World Champion and World No. 1, China's Ding Ning.

Ding Ning has shown immense potential since young. In 2005, she participated in her first World Junior Table Tennis Championships and brought home 3 out of the 4 gold medals (Team, Singles & Doubles). She went on to win her first pro tour title at the age of 18. In that same year, she is already a world champion.

Ding Ning welcomed the peak of her career in 2011 when she won the World Championships and World Cup for the first time. She is only 22 this year and will be Singapore's main opponent in many years to come.

Name: Ding Ning
Date of Birth: 20 June 1990
Place of Birth: Heilongjiang, China
Nationality: Chinese
Current World Ranking: 1
Best World Ranking: 1 (November 2011)
Playing Style: Left Handed, Classic, Offensive
Forehand: Inverted
Backhand: Inverted

Statistics Against Wang Yuegu (4 wins, 0 loss)
2011 Women's World Cup – Win
2011 Austrian Open – Win
2010 Asian Cup – Win
2009 Asian Championships – Win

Statistics Against Feng Tianwei (12 wins, 1 loss)
2012 Korea Open – Win
2012 World Team Championships – Win
2011 World Team Cup – Win
2011 Women's World Cup – Win
2011 World Championships – Win
2011 English Open – Win
2010 World Team Championships – Loss
2010 Asian Cup – Win
2009 Pro Tour Grand Finals – Win
2009 Asian Championships – Win
2009 World Team Cup – Win
2009 China VS World Challenge – Win
2009 Asian Cup – Win

Statistics Against Li Jiawei (1 win, 0 loss)
2011 Women's World Cup – Win

Know Thy Enemy - Li Jiao

Li Jiao is a left handed pen holder. She plays with a inverted forehand rubber. Surprising to many, Li Jiao has a backhand rubber as well, although she only uses one side of the racket. Despite her age, Li Jiao is the reigning European Champion. In 2011, she brought her team to win the European Championships for the third time as well.

The 2012 London Olympic Games will be Li's second Olympic Games. In her previous appearance in Beijing, she made it to the round of 16 losing to China's Guo Yue.

Name: Li Jiao
Date of Birth: 15 January 1973
Place of Birth: Qingdao, China
Nationality: Netherlands
Current World Ranking: 20
Best World Ranking: 10 (January 2011)
Playing Style: Left Handed, Penhold, Offensive
Forehand: Inverted

Statistics Against Wang Yuegu (1 win, 3 losses)
2011 Women's World Cup – Loss
2010 World Team Championships – Loss
2009 Women's World Cup – Win
2008 Polish Open – Loss

Statistics Against Feng Tianwei (2 wins, 2 losses)
2012 World Team Championships – Win
2011 Volkswagen Cup – Win
2008 Pro Tour Grand Finals – Loss
2008 Women's World Cup – Loss

Statistics Against Li Jiawei (0 win, 1 loss)
2011 Women's World Cup – Loss

Know Thy Enemy - Hirano Sayaka

Hirano Sayaka has no less than 4 pro tour titles under her belt, equalling Feng Tianwei's record thus far. This month, Hirano will be making her second olympic appearance. In the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Japan finished fourth behind China, Singapore and South Korea. Hirano played a pivotal role then, playing in both the singles and doubles matches in most games.

Name: Hirano Sayaka
Date of Birth: 24 March 1985
Place of Birth: Kanuma, Tochigi, Japan
Nationality: Japanese
Current World Ranking: 18
Best World Ranking: 10 (August 2011)
Playing Style: Right Handed, Classic, Offensive
Forehand: Inverted
Backhand: Inverted

Major Sporting Achievements:
2004 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Bronze
2006 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Bronze
2008 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Bronze
2009 World Team Cup – Women’s Team – Bronze
2010 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Bronze
2010 World Team Cup – Women’s Team – Bronze
2011 World Team Cup – Women’s Team – Silver

Statistics Against Wang Yuegu (4 wins, 2 losses)
2012 Korea Open – Win
2011 Asian Cup - Loss
2011 Japan Open – Loss
2011 German Open – Win
2010 German Open – Win
2009 German Open – Win

Statistics Against Feng Tianwei (0 win, 3 losses)
2012 Asian Championships – Loss
2011 Women’s World Cup – Loss
2011 Korea Open – Loss
2010 Kuwait Open – Loss

Statistics Against Li Jiawei (2 wins, 0 loss)
2012 Asian Championships – Win
2010 Asian Games – Win

Know Thy Enemy - Guo Yue

Guo Yue entered the Chinese National Team in 2000. 4 years later, she partnered Niu Jianfeng to participate in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games Women's Doubles Event. Guo Yue may well be ranked 8 in the world as of July 2012, but that is definitely not a reflection of her level of play.

Guo Yue and Li Xiaoxia formed the best doubles pair in the world. In 2011, they have won every single competition that they entered (excluding those that they withdrew).

The London Olympic Games will be Guo Yue's 3rd appearance. She will only be participating in the Women's Team Event.

Name: Guo Yue
Date of Birth: 17 July 1988
Place of Birth: Liaoning, China
Nationality: People's Republic of China
Current World Ranking: 8
Best World Ranking: 1 (January 2008)
Playing Style: Left Handed, Classic, Offensive
Forehand: Inverted
Backhand: Inverted

Major Sporting Achievements:
2004 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Gold
2004 Olympic Games – Women's Doubles – Bronze
2006 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Gold
2007 World Championships – Women’s Singles – Silver
2007 World Championships – Women’s Doubles – Silver
2007 Women’s World Cup – Bronze
2007 World Team Cup – Women’s Team - Gold
2008 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Gold
2008 Olympic Games – Women's Team – Gold
2008 Olympic Games – Women's Singles – Bronze
2009 World Championships – Women’s Singles – Bronze

2009 World Championships – Women’s Doubles – Gold

2009 Women’s World Cup – Silver

2009 World Team Cup – Women’s Team – Gold
2010 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Silver
2010 Women’s World Cup – Bronze
2010 World Team Cup – Women’s Team – Gold

2011 World Championships – Women’s Singles – Silver

2011 World Championships – Women’s Doubles – Gold

2011 World Team Cup – Women’s Team – Gold

2012 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Gold

Statistics Against Wang Yuegu (3 wins, 0 loss)

2011 Qatar Open – Win
2010 World Team Cup  – Win
2009 Women's World Cup – Win

Statistics Against Feng Tianwei (6 wins, 1 loss)
2012 Asian Championships – Win
2010 Women's World Cup – Win
2009 Women's World Cup – Win
2009 Asian Cup – Win
2009 World Championships – Win
2008 Pro Tour Grand Finals – Win
2008 Women's World Cup – Loss

Statistics Against Li Jiawei (4 wins, 0 loss)
2012 World Team Championships – Win
2012 Asian Championships – Win
2011 Asian Cup – Win
2010 Asian Games – Win

Know Thy Enemy - Park Mi Young

Park Mi Young is one of South Korea's leading chopper. Playing inverted on the forehand and long pimples on the backhand, she form the best defensive doubles pair with Kim Kyung Ah. The duo has won numerous pro tour titles and medals at the world championships.

As a singles player, Park consistent play saw her winning 2 singles pro tour titles in her career and has been invited to the annual Women's World Cup since 2009 (she was invited in 2011 but withdrew).

Name: Park Mi Young
Date of Birth: 17 November 1981
Place of Birth: Daegu, Republic of Korea
Nationality: Republic of Korea
Current World Ranking: 33
Best World Ranking: 8 (February 2010)
Playing Style: Right Handed, Classic, Defensive
Forehand: Inverted
Backhand: Long Pimples

Major Sporting Achievements:
2007 World Championships – Women’s Doubles – Bronze
2007 World Team Cup – Women’s Team - Silver
2008 Olympic Games – Women’s Team – Bronze
2009 World Championships – Women’s Doubles – Bronze
2010 World Team Cup – Women’s Team - Bronze
2011 World Championships – Women’s Doubles – Bronze
2012 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Bronze

Statistics Against Wang Yuegu (0 win, 1 loss)
2010 Kuwait Open – Loss
Name: Park Mi Young
Date of Birth: 17 November 1981
Place of Birth: Daegu, Republic of Korea
Nationality: Republic of Korea
Current World Ranking: 33
Best World Ranking: 8 (February 2010)
Playing Style: Right Handed, Classic, Defensive
Forehand: Inverted
Backhand: Long Pimples

Major Sporting Achievements:
2007 World Championships – Women’s Doubles – Bronze
2007 World Team Cup – Women’s Team - Silver
2008 Olympic Games – Women’s Team – Bronze
2009 World Championships – Women’s Doubles – Bronze
2010 World Team Cup – Women’s Team - Bronze
2011 World Championships – Women’s Doubles – Bronze
2012 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Bronze

Statistics Against Wang Yuegu (0 win, 1 loss)
2010 Kuwait Open – Loss
Statistics Against Feng Tianwei (1 wins, 4 losses)
2009 Pro Tour Grand Finals – Loss
2009 Polish Open – Win
2009 English Open – Loss
2009 Women’s World Cup – Loss
2009 World Championships – Loss

Statistics Against Li Jiawei (1 win, 2 losses)
2012 Korea Open – Loss
2010 China Open – Win
2010 Korea Open – Loss
Statistics Against Feng Tianwei (1 wins, 4 losses)
2009 Pro Tour Grand Finals – Loss
2009 Polish Open – Win
2009 English Open – Loss
2009 Women’s World Cup – Loss
2009 World Championships – Loss

Statistics Against Li Jiawei (1 win, 2 losses)
2012 Korea Open – Loss
2010 China Open – Win
2010 Korea Open – Loss

Know Thy Enemy - Li Xiaoxia

Li Xiaoxia entered the Chinese National Team in 2003. Currently, she trains under Li Sun whom was also the mentor of Beijing Olympic Games Double Gold Medalist Zhang Yining. Li Xiaoxia missed out the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games to Zhang Yining, Wang Nan and Guo Yue, but that was already history. Today, Li is a strong contender for both the Women's Singles and Women's Team Gold in the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Name: Li Xiaoxia
Date of Birth: 16 January 1988
Place of Birth: Liaoning, China
Nationality: People's Republic of China
Current World Ranking: 3
Best World Ranking: 1 (November 2008)
Playing Style: Right Handed, Classic, Offensive
Forehand: Inverted
Backhand: Inverted

Major Sporting Achievements:
2006 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Gold
2007 World Championships – Women’s Singles – Silver
2007 World Championships – Women’s Doubles – Silver
2007 World Team Cup – Women’s Team – Gold
2008 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Gold
2008 Women’s World Cup – Gold

2009 World Championships – Women’s Singles – Bronze

2009 World Championships – Women’s Doubles – Gold

2009 Women’s World Cup – Bronze

2009 World Team Cup – Women’s Team – Gold
2010 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Silver
2010 World Team Cup – Women’s Team - Gold

2011 World Championships – Women’s Singles – Silver

2011 World Championships – Women’s Doubles – Gold

2011 Women’s World Cup – Silver

2011 World Team Cup – Women’s Team – Gold
2012 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Gold

Statistics Against Wang Yuegu (5 wins, 0 loss)

2012 World Team Championships – Win
2011 Women's World Cup – Win
2010 Asian Games  – Win
2010 China Open – Win
2008 Women's World Cup – Win

Statistics Against Feng Tianwei (5 wins, 0 loss)
2011 Pro Tour Grand Finals – Win
2010 Asian Games – Win
2009 Women's World Cup – Win
2008 Tournament of Champions – Win
2008 Women's World Cup – Win

Statistics Against Li Jiawei (3 wins, 0 loss)
2012 Asian Championships – Win
2012 Hungarian Open – Win
2011 English Open – Win

Know Thy Enemy - Shen Yanfei

Similar to Singapore's Li Jiawei, Shen Yanfei is already a mother.

Shen began learning table tennis at the age of 6 and entered the Chinese National Team in 1994. She moved on to Italy in 1998 before representing Spain in 2000.

Currently ranked 17th in the world, the left handed player has a very good solution against our Singaporean paddlers. She recorded 100% winning streak against Wang Yuegu and Li Jiawei in the past four years. Even Feng Tianwei has more losses than wins against this Spanish lady.

Name: Shen Yanfei
Date of Birth: 24 December 1979
Place of Birth: Hebei, China
Nationality: Spanish
Current World Ranking: 17
Best World Ranking: 15 (Sept 2010)
Playing Style: Left Handed, Classic, Offensive
Forehand: Short Pimples
Backhand: Inverted

Statistics Against Wang Yuegu (1 win, 0 loss)
2012 Japan Open – Win

Statistics Against Feng Tianwei (3 wins, 1 loss)
2012 Spanish Open – Win
2010 China Open – Loss
2010 Korea Open – Win
2010 World Team Championships – Win

Statistics Against Li Jiawei (1 win, 0 loss)
2010 Korea Open – Win

Know Thy Enemy - Jiang Huajun

Jiang Huajun began learning table tennis at the age of 6. She entered the Chinese National Team in 2000 and moved to Hong Kong 5 years later. Together with Tie Yana, they form the backbone of the Hong Kong National Team.

Jiang has one of the best backhand in the table tennis arena. Her backhand is strong and powerful. She defeated former World No. 1 and Olympic Champion Zhang Yining four times in a row and has been widely regarded as "张怡宁克星".

Name: Jiang Huajun
Date of Birth: 8 October 1984
Place of Birth: Shandong, China
Nationality: Hong Kong China
Current World Ranking: 20
Best World Ranking: 7 (July 2007)
Playing Style: Right Handed, Classic, Offensive
Forehand: Inverted
Backhand: Short Pimples

Major Sporting Achievements:
2008 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Bronze
2009 World Championships – Women’s Doubles – Bronze
2009 World Team Cup – Women’s Team - Bronze
2010 Women’s World Cup – Silver
2011 World Championships – Women’s Doubles – Bronze
2011 World Championships – Mixed Doubles – Bronze
2011 World Team Cup – Women’s Team - Bronze
2012 World Team Championships – Women’s Team – Bronze

Statistics Against Wang Yuegu (2 wins, 2 losses)
2011 Asian Cup – Win
2011 World Championships – Win
2010 Women’s World Cup – Loss
2009 Asian Championships – Loss

Statistics Against Feng Tianwei (0 win, 5 losses)
2011 Women’s World Cup – Loss
2010 Volkswagen Cup – Loss
2009 Asian Championships – Loss
2009 Korea Open – Loss
2009 Asian Cup – Loss

Statistics Against Li Jiawei (1 win, 2 losses)
2011 Asian Cup – Win
2011 Qatar Open – Loss
2008 Pro Tour Grand Finals – Loss