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Watch Roger Federer save seven match points before beating unseeded American Tennys Sandgren in a sensational Australian Open quarter-final.

READ MORE: Federer saves match points to reach semis

WATCH MORE: Home hero Barty battles past Kvitova to reach semi-finals

Available to UK users only.

Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe have incurred the wrath of Tennis Australia by parading a banner at the Australian Open calling for the Margaret Court Arena to be renamed.

The banner, painted in aboriginal style by Navratilova, bore the words 'Evonne Goolagong Arena' in recognition of the four-time Australian Open champion.

Tennis Australia said "two high-profile guests" had breached their protocols.

Navratilova told BBC Sport: "I wanted to push the conversation forward."

The 18-time Grand Slam champion - three times a winner of the singles in Australia - has long been an outspoken critic of Court's views on the gay, lesbian and transgender community.

Three years ago, in an open letter to Court, published in the Sydney Morning Herald, she suggested Goolagong - an indigenous Australian who won seven Grand Slam singles titles - would be more worthy of the title.

Navratilova took to the umpire's chair after a legends' match, and in front of a small crowd, invited McEnroe - winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles - on to the court where they displayed the banner.

The previous day on Eurosport, McEnroe had criticised Court's "offensive and homophobic" views.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Navratilova said she was moved to act as she "just felt the conversation had stopped".

"I thought we got it going a couple of years ago," she said.

"I thought Tennis Australia would do something - or the government of Victoria, as apparently they are the ones that make the decision - but nothing has happened. And Margaret keeps doubling down in basically attacking the gay and lesbian community.

"My wife Julia said you're complaining about it, but what are you going to do?

"And I'm like, I've done everything I can do. I've written a letter, I've been very vocal, and then when I landed here, and I came to the courts, I had this idea.

"I stopped in an art shop and got a canvas and some coloured pens and started colouring 'Evonne Goolagong Arena' in the aboriginal version - a very amateur version of aboriginal art - as an honour to Evonne Goolagong and where she came from.

"John, I ran into him, and on the spur of the moment I asked him because he also talked about renaming the arena. He's been very supportive of social change in tennis, so it was perfect.

"I wanted to be respectful, but most of all I just wanted to push the conversation forward again. I have no doubt it's the right thing to do."

The Margaret Court Arena was named after the record 24 time Grand Slam singles champion in 2003.

British player Laura Robson wore a rainbow band in her hair when she played on the court in 2012, and years of controversy were re-ignited in 2017 when Court criticised the airline Qantas for becoming an "active promoter for same-sex marriage".

Court, who is now a Christian pastor, then did an interview for a Christian radio station in which she said tennis is "full of lesbians" and transgender children are the work of "the devil."

On Monday, Tennis Australia held a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the year Court won all four of the sport's Grand Slam titles.

"You don't want to diminish in any way Margaret Court's achievements," Navratilova continued.

"She was celebrated yesterday for winning the Grand Slam 50 years ago - absolutely. But when buildings are named after you, or airports, or streets, it's the body of work, it's not just one part of your life and then ignore the rest.

"I did not watch it, I did not partake. I did not go. I'm protesting by absence. But the correct thing to do, I think, is to honour her win."

Tennis Australia have consistently stated they do not agree with Court's personal views as they do not align with their values of "equality, diversity and inclusion".

But in Tuesday's statement they made clear their displeasure with both Navratilova and McEnroe.

"We embrace diversity, inclusion and the right for people to have a view, as well as their right to voice that view," the statement read.

"But the Australian Open has regulations and protocols with respect to how any fan, player or guest can use our facility, the event and the global stage it provides. This is to ensure the integrity of our event.

"Two high-profile guests have breached these protocols and we are working through this with them."

Djokovic beats Raonic to set up Federer semi-final

Published in Tennis
Tuesday, 28 January 2020 04:24

Defending champion Novak Djokovic set up an Australian Open semi-final against Roger Federer after producing another clinical performance to beat Canadian 32nd seed Milos Raonic.

Djokovic dismantled Raonic's potent serve to win 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7-1) despite an eye problem late in the third set.

The Serb second seed, who is aiming for a record-extending eighth title, has lost just one set in Melbourne so far.

Djokovic, 32, will meet Swiss third seed Federer in Thursday's semi-final.

It is the pair's first meeting at the Australian Open since Djokovic beat 38-year-old Federer in their 2016 semi-final.

"He is one of the all-time greats and the match-ups against Roger and Rafa have made me the player I am today," said Djokovic, who has won six of the last nine Australian Open men's titles and is unbeaten this year.

"I hope I can get just one match point against him. Let the better player win."

Djokovic maintains champion form

Djokovic, a 16-time Grand Slam champion, has been in fine fettle as he looks to move closer to Federer's all-time record of 20 major triumphs with another victory in Melbourne.

On a court where he has produced some of the finest performances of his career, the Serb continues to show why he is widely considered as the man to beat.

Raonic, 29, came into the last-eight contest having not dropped serve and not dropped a set in his previous four matches.

But Djokovic negated that weapon from the very start with his energetic court coverage and relentless returning.

Djokovic created 12 break points across the opening two sets and needed to convert just one in each to move within another of the last four.

The third set required a little more patience from Djokovic, who did not create another opportunity on Raonic's serve until the Canadian fought off four break points at 5-5.

But Raonic's resistance could not extend to the tie-break.

Djokovic raced 6-1 in front and converted his first match point when Raonic thumped a forehand into the net.

"I knew the return would be key. How many balls I could get in play, get into the rallies and get him moving around the court," Djokovic said.

Djokovic doesn't lose sight of victory - despite contact lens trouble

Djokovic wears contact lenses while he is playing and overcame some irritation with them in the third set before clinching victory.

The seven-time champion nipped off court at 4-4, with Raonic set to serve in the next game, in a bid to solve the problem.

Raonic questioned whether his opponent should have waited until the changeover, saying "I don't have contact lenses but I could just say I do to go off court."

Djokovic apologised to Raonic when he returned and again after the match.

"I want to apologise to Milos once again because it is not something you see often," Djokovic said.

"It was not intentional or tactical but it was something I had to do because I couldn't see too much."

The issue still appeared to be causing problems for the Serb, who was often widening his eyes and blinking when he came back on court.

He called the trainer out for some more eye drops before the problem eased and he was able to tee up a 50th meeting with his great rival Federer.

He was my mentor - tearful Djokovic on Bryant

Afterwards, Djokovic paid tribute to American basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

Djokovic, who wore the initials 'KB' on his tracksuit during the warm-up, described Bryant as his "mentor" and "friend" in an emotional post-match interview on Rod Laver Arena.

Fighting back the tears, he said: "It really caught us by surprise.

"Kobe was one of the greatest athletes of all time and inspired me and many other people around the world.

"I had that fortune to have a personal relationship with him over the last 10 years and when I needed advice he was there for me.

"It is just heartbreaking to see what has happened with him and his daughter."

Watch the best shots as Ashleigh Barty becomes the first Australian woman to reach the semi-finals at her home Grand Slam for 36 years, with victory over Petra Kvitov in Melbourne.

READ MORE: Ashleigh Barty beats Petra Kvitova to reach semi-finals

WATCH MORE: Federer saves seven match points to beat Sandgren

Australian Open highlights available on BBC iPlayer.

Available to UK users only.

Federer saves seven match points in quarter-final victory

Published in Tennis
Tuesday, 28 January 2020 03:50

Roger Federer defied age and logic once again to save seven match points before beating unseeded American Tennys Sandgren in a sensational Australian Open quarter-final.

The out-of-sorts Swiss fought off form and fitness concerns before winning 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 (10-8) 6-3.

World number 100 Sandgren looked set to be the lowest ranked player to reach the Melbourne semi-finals since 1991.

But third seed Federer battled to win in three hours and 28 minutes.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who had a medical timeout in the third set for a groin problem, will play Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the last four after the defending champion beat Canadian 32nd seed Milos Raonic.

Federer calmly raised his racquet in the air, taking the acclaim of a buzzing crowd on Rod Laver Arena, after Sandgren dumped a forehand into the net on the Swiss' first match point.

The fatigued pair shook hands at the net, Sandgren wishing his rival luck before trudging off to a standing ovation from the 15,000 fans barely able to believe what they had seen.

"You've got to get lucky sometimes I tell you that," Federer said. "Sometimes you're not under control.

"I just hoped he wouldn't smash a winner, just keep the ball in play and if he does miss one of two then see what is going through his mind.

"As the match went on I felt better and the pressure went away.

"I didn't deserve this one but I'm standing here and I'm obviously very happy."

Federer hangs tough again

With 38-year-old Federer well into the twilight of his career, he has to carefully manage his workload to preserve himself for the things which matter most: the Grand Slams.

And that appears to have worked in his favour as he came through another gruelling match at Melbourne Park after being on the brink of defeat.

Federer had not played since the ATP Finals in November, save for a few exhibitions in Central and South America, and has been helped by a favourable draw at Melbourne Park.

All four of his matches have been against unseeded players, although they did not all prove to be as straightforward as he would have hoped.

Only a fightback from 8-4 in the 10-point match tie-break against Australian John Millman stopped him falling in the third round.

In the next round he was pushed by Hungary's Marton Fucsovics before winning in four.

Again he was a shadow of himself for most of the contest against Sandgren before rediscovering his best form when it mattered most.

After a fairly routine opening set, Federer's level dipped considerably as his unforced error count more than doubled in the second and mistakes continued to fly off his racquet in the third where he had treatment for a groin injury when trailing 3-0.

His serve speeds slowed considerably and he walked gingerly to his chair at the changeovers.

The six-time champion - and the pro-Federer crowd - became increasingly edgy. Sandgren grew in confidence.

But once Federer overcame his injury, he improved considerably in the fourth and dominated in the fifth to earn another memorable victory.

"My groin and leg started to tighten and I struggled in defence," said Federer who has never retired during a career which has seen him play 1,512 matches.

"I don't like to call the trainer because it is a sign of weakness. The best thing with the groin is you go off court and people don't know what it is.

"I believe in miracles, there could be rain, there could be other stuff. It wasn't bad enough where thought it would get worse, just sore.

Sandgren made to pay for missed chances

While Federer was off-colour for long spells, Sandgren looked to capitalise with big serving and booming groundstrokes.

The American thumped down 27 aces and cracked 73 winners, but it was still not enough to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final.

The magnitude of what he was on the verge of achieving suddenly dawned on him when his first three match points arrived at 5-4 in the fourth set on Federer's serve.

All three disappeared as a result of unforced errors from the American's racquet, with Federer keeping himself in the rallies, putting balls back into the court to see if his opponent would crack.

Another four match points came Sandgren's way in the tie-break, but two more unforced errors ended energy-sapping rallies, either side of a missed backhand and then a wonderful volley from Federer.

From that point Sandgren was, seemingly, overcome by mental doubt and physical strain. He never recovered.

"I thought l would let him finish me off in style and he didn't do that. I was incredibly lucky," said Federer, who is the oldest man to reach the Australian Open semi-finals since Ken Rosewall in 1977.

A rare Federer outburst & Sandgren clattered by ball girl - the match that had everything

A sign of how flustered Federer had become came in the third game of the third set when the Swiss was given a rare code violation for an audible obscenity.

He had just failed to take a third break point at 2-0 down.

The line judge behind the baseline reported Federer, who was outraged by the warning as he lost the game.

"What did I say," he asked chair umpire Marijana Veljovic. She replied: "I can't repeat it."

That was not the only unusual incident in a match packed full of entertainment.

Later on Sandgren - whose knee has been strapped for his matches here - was accidentally clattered by a ball girl running past him at a changeover in the fourth.

"That was not a distraction. That was physically painful," said a sombre Sandgren, who recovered from the incident to win the next three points.

He was, however, distracted by somebody commentating behind him when he served and a crackling public address system, and a phone rang twice while Federer prepared to deliver from the baseline.

It truly was a match that had everything.

One-way traffic

Three matches to bring the day’s proceedings to a close and all three produced convincing victories: Romania’s Ovidiu Ionescu and Bernadette Szocs, Italy’s Niagol Stoyanov and Giorgia Piccolin, and France’s Tristan Flore and Laura Gasnier negotiated the three ties without dropping a game between them.

United States pair hold on

Kai Zhang and Lily Zhang experienced what proved to be a most tricky opening fixture in the mixed doubles qualification race, being pushed right down to the deciding game by Swiss opponents Lionel Weber and Rachel Moret (11-4, 8-11, 11-6, 6-11, 14-12).

The only other win from the Americas came from Brazil’s Vitor Ishiy and Bruna Takahashi, who saw off the Romanian pair of Cristian Pletea and Elizabeta Samara in four games (11-6, 11-5, 3-11, 11-9).

Shock of the day?

We’ve seen a number of major upsets on the opening day of play here in Magdeburg – which one standout above the rest for you?

Commanding display sees Quadri Aruna through

One of the African continent’s biggest names, it didn’t take long for Quadri Aruna to book his spot in the next round of qualifying as the Nigerian star powered past Hunor Szocs in just under 26 minutes (11-8, 11-3, 11-5, 11-7)!

Egypt’s Ahmed Saleh also picked up a victory in the 7.15pm session, beating Alexander Chen 4-1 (8-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8). However, Ibrahima Diaw couldn’t make it three wins from three for Africa as the Senegalese athlete narrowly lost out to Benedek Olah (6-11, 6-11, 11-6, 5-11, 11-9, 12-10, 11-5).

Walther and Steger progress

A couple of positive results for the local spectators to enjoy as Ricardo Walther and Bastian Steger come good in their respective fixtures against Joao Geraldo (11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-3) and Marcelo Aguirre (15-13, 11-5, 11-6, 11-4).

There was also a thrilling contest played out on table 1 as China’s Zhao Qihao held off a brave effort from French counterpart Abdel-Kader Salifou (5-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7, 10-12, 11-13, 11-6).

Niagol Stoyanov crushes 2015 World Championships runner-up

The upsets continue to fly in here in Magdeburg with another Giant slaying in preliminary round 2 of the men’s singles event. 2015 World Championships silver medallist Fang Bo has just been outclassed on table 1 with Italy’s Niagol Stoyanov claiming one of the biggest wins of his career to date (11-8, 7-11, 11-7, 11-6, 12-10).

Stoyanov isn’t the only Italian celebrating with Leonardo Mutti also emerging successful in his encounter against Eric Jouti (11-8, 11-7, 7-11, 9-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-9).

Vladi suffers early exit

Leading after games one and three but Belarusian legend Vladimir Samsonov’s German Open campaign has been brought to a premature end, losing out to China’s Xu Chenhao 4-2 (5-11, 12-10, 9-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-7).

Stefan Fegerl was another big European competitor to fall in the 4.45pm session with Korea Republic’s Park Ganghyeon proving too strong for the Austrian on this occasion (11-8, 13-11, 11-8, 11-9).

French star rises to the occasion

Another big shock to report and this time it has come courtesy of World no.277 Alexandre Cassin. The 21-year-old Frenchman produced some of his best table tennis to beat Chinese Taipei’s Chen Chien-An, ranked 49th, across six games (11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8).

Elsewhere, there were big scares for Sweden’s Jon Persson and Egypt’s Omar Assar with both players requiring the full-match distance to see off Rares Sipos (11-6, 9-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7, 7-11, 11-9) and Hwang Minha (6-11, 11-7, 3-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7).

Wong Chun Ting crashes out!!!

Denmark’s Zhai Yujia has just contributed one of the shocks of the day after successfully overcoming an early deficit to eliminate Hong Kong, China’s Wong Chun Ting out of the race in Magdeburg (7-11, 11-4, 13-11, 3-11, 11-4, 11-7).

A disappointing exit for Wong and Hong Kong, China’s woes were further deepened in the 3.05pm session of play as Greece’s Ioannis Sgouropoulos and England’s Samuel Walker condemned Ho Kwan Kit (9-11, 7-11, 15-13, 11-7, 11-9, 11-9) and Li Hon Ming (11-8, 11-7, 11-5, 11-3) to the same fate.

Choi proceeds in style

Korea Republic fans had something to cheer for as Choi Hyojoo cruised past Argentine Candela Molero (11-1, 11-6, 11-8, 16-14), shortly after Choi’s compatriot Shin had crashed out.

For the home crowd, Shan Xiaona was in the clear as well after she beat another Argentine Camila Arguelles in straight games (11-2, 11-5, 11-5, 11-5, 11-5), in all but less than 19 minutes.

Bruna starts strong, Shin exits

Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi showed her speedy play here in GETEC-Arena, as she won in straight games against Serbia’s Tijana Jokic (11-7, 11-5, 11-9, 11-6).

However, the story of the session was France’s Yuan Jia Nan’s amazing win over Korea Republic’s prodigy Shin Yubin! Yuan was all over the table, and had every answer to Shin’s incredible forehands. Winning 4-0 (11-6, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7), this is surely the first upset of the German Open!

Amy makes a major dent

USA’s Amy Wang has clearly sent ripples in Germany, as she beat the Portuguese veteran Yu Fu, fresh from the World Team Qualification in Gondomar, shortly after being 0-2 down! Winning 4-2 (3-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9, 11-6), Wang was effervescent in her style of play, giving Yu no room to work with.

China’s Qian Tianyi meanwhile, coasted against Thailand’s Jinnipa Sawettabut, winning 4-0 (11-2, 12-10, 11-8, 11-7).

Manika Batra raises the roof!

When India’s Manika Batra found herself 2-3 down to Serbia’s Andrea Todorovic, little did anyone think she’d make the next round. Well, think again.

Saving the match point at a critical stage, Batra roared to a 4-3 (11-4, 7-11, 11-6, 7-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9) win over the Serbian, displaying her immaculate class and powerful shot making.

Good start for Asian athletes

Yu Mengyu from Singapore and Ng Wing Nam  from Hong Kong China have started very strongly, winning against Germany’s Wan Yuan and Chinese Taipei’s Huang Yu-Wen respectively.

For Yu, it was a tough battle as she won 4-2 (6-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-6, 11-6, 3-11, 11-7) against Wan playing at home. For Ng, it was more of a cruise as she won in straight games versus Huang (11-7, 11-8, 11-9, 11-2).

Contrasting results for home crowd

Germany’s crowd got a bit of bittersweet session in the morning, as Bastian Steger moved on but his compatriot Kirill Fadeev could not.

Facing Argentinian Francisco Sanchi, Steger won in straight games (11-3, 11-4, 11-8, 11-4). However, Kirill could not find his feet against the Japanese Kakeru Sone, losing in four (11-6, 11-7, 11-4, 11-9).

Cho cruises

Korea Republic’s Cho Daeseong had little to no problems against Lebanon’s Mohammed Bannout, as he won 4-0 (11-5, 11-2, 11-6, 11-5) in under 21 minutes.

Belgian Martin Allegro had a similar first outing, seeing off the challenge of Grigore Sarcanean from Republic of Moldova in straight games win (11-6, 11-4, 11-7, 11-3).

Clean opening for Khalid Assar

Egypt’s Khalid Assar had a very good opening game here in Germany, as he coasted to a straight games win over Bulgarian Denislav Kodjabashev (11-2, 11-9, 11-5, 11-4).

Over at table 12, home crowd favorite Fanbo Meng needed seven games to beat Chilean Nicolas Burgos (8-11, 11-2, 12-10, 10-10, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7), in a thrilling opening encounter.

Ready for the first stage?
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The 28 year old is the first table tennis player to win the award; the third overall.

In 2001 the men’s national team comprising Jan-Ove Waldner, Jörgen Persson, Peter Karlsson and Fredrik Håkansson, guided by coach Ulf Carlsson, received the “Team of the Year” award following their success at the 2000 World Team Championships in Kuala Lumpur.

Later in 2017, Jan-Ove Waldner received the “Lifetime Achievement Award”, Mattias Falck treads in Illustrious footsteps.

Royal Family present

Joined by the Royal Family, it was a moment to savour for the athlete who sensationally reached the final of the men’s singles event at the Liebherr 2019 World Championships in Budapest. He was joined by his wife Julia Falck, a former athlete herself for the Ångby club.

“I am so happy for this award. Couldn’t expect to win with such great achievements from so many great athletes through the year. This was a big surprise and I am really happy” Mattias Falck

Hard work rewarded

A year in which any disappointments were overshadowed by achievements, hard work was rewarded for a very brave player. Using short pimpled rubber on the forehand makes him different from the rest in an age when, with the advent on the larger ball and then the change to plastic, rather goes against the trend of modern day thinking in some quarters. It works for Mattias Falck and it works well!

It is very fitting to note that no other shake hands grip player using this combination has ever reached a men’s singles’ final at the World Championships.

In Budapest, the draw might be have been seen as “favourable” but he still Mattias Falck still had to complete the task against players listed amongst the best in the world. The only higher ranked player he beat on the road to the final was Korea Republic’s Lee Sangsu but did not that make the task more difficult for Mattias Falck from the quarter-final onwards?

Having the “favourite” tag and then succeeding paid great credit to his mental strength.

Worthy performance

In addition, his favoured backhand caused China’s Ma Long, arguably the greatest player of the current generation, more than food for thought! It was not a one sided final, Mattias Falck proved himself more than a worthy opponent against the best player on planet earth.

A silver medal in Budapest; most certainly worth the ‘Best Achievement Award’!

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The transition from celluloid to plastic balls

Published in Table Tennis
Tuesday, 28 January 2020 04:36
Celluloid is gone

It was the key aim when the so-called plastic ball was introduced on 1st July 2014 after several years of research and development: the ITTF wanted to move on from celluloid and now it has become a reality. The last supplier of celluloid balls has withdrawn approval, and by end of 2020, the last of these balls will disappear from the list.

With safety awareness growing worldwide, the flammability of the ball had become a risk driver. There was no doubt that the ITTF had to act, also to anticipate regulations which might make the use of the balls impossible in certain countries. However, action had to be taken thoroughly and not in a rush.

Not only was it decided that the specifications for the new ball be almost identical to the celluloid one – in addition, ITTF took the opportunity to tighten the requirements for size and roundness, keeping the hurdles quite high for manufacturers when they experimented with new materials.

It was a huge challenge to get approvable balls on time. Especially the right combination of hardness, roundness and bounce height was tricky and led to a series of trial-and-error, but we did not respond by weakening the Technical Leaflet, and to me this was very important.

The decision proved the correct one, because in January 2014 all manufacturers managed to present models which passed the required lab test series, and by end of that year a total of 26 different suppliers had a celluloid free ball approved.

“The whole transition went as planned.”

Clearly, the process wasn’t over with this step – there were many concerns: Some models had a poor durability and a lack of roundness. People had concerns that celluloid balls would be taken off the list at short notice. It was argued that the start had been made too early, but I had a different view:

I understood this argument but the difficulties could not have been avoided. If you move the deadline, the problem will be the same later on. You need the pressure of a date. What we were facing were the expectable problems in a new technology change like this, and no reason to change the strategy. In my opinion, the whole transition went as planned. What may sound a bit careless, in view of the adaption struggles by players and coaches, has a firm conclusion: Of course the plan included to respond seriously to the concerns.

Amongst these responses, frequently asked questions were publicly answered and during 2015 manufacturers were given more time for research and development under temporarily relaxed tolerances. That served its duty: ABS was born.

ABS – the second generation

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a copolymer serving as a chemical all-rounder. By mixing the three components in varying proportions, one gets individual optimization for lots of purposes. ABS was discovered as a welcome fit by the manufacturers. By mid-2016, these “second generation balls” conquered the approval list. Increased durability and roundness leading to a sharp decrease of concerns.

From that point on, a flood of new models came in, all meeting the re-tightened tolerances ITTF had introduced as promised. By the end of 2019, almost one hundred non-celluloid balls were available on the market – not just ABS ones by the way – offering a variety bigger than ever: With or without seam. Made for example in China, Japan, Korea or Germany. White and orange.

This at the same time led to a price decrease. Development costs amounted to millions of dollars, and it was clear that at the beginning this had to be compensated by higher market prices. With storage and logistics getting easier due to lack of flammability and with more competitors on the market, prices were then expected to ultimately fall below celluloid level, which indeed seems to have happened.

It was one of the two big things which the ITTF had decided not to regulate but observe the market instead. The second one was not to explicitly forbid celluloid balls for many years. We were convinced that manufacturers would stop production on their own initiative, because it is no longer profitable to have celluloid. Which became true.

Still work to do

, says Claudia Herweg, Head of Equipment.

In summary I agree. Managing this difficult transition needs mutual understanding and continuous improvement. We have been working on this seriously and transparent until now and we will continue to do so in the upcoming important steps.

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Zhai Yujia stuns top name but Amy Wang tops list

Published in Table Tennis
Tuesday, 28 January 2020 12:52

In the preliminary rounds, notable names fell by the wayside, some more notable than others.

Top ten surprises

WS Prelim R1: Amy Wang (United States) beat Fu Yu (Portugal) 3-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9, 11-6)
Only 17 years old, Amy Wang earns great credit for overcoming a style of play she rarely meets. She adapted to the pen-hold grip blocking play of the vastly experienced Fu Yu, gold medallist at the 2019 European Games. It was a major achievement.

MS Prelim R2: Niagol Soyanov (Italy) beat Fang Bo (China) 11-8, 7-11, 11-7, 11-6, 12-10
According to world ranking not a surprise but considering past success on the international scene an upset. The best for Niagol Stoyanov on the ITTF World Tour is a semi-final finish in 2014 in Belgium; for Fang Bo, in addition to being the men’s singles runner up at the Qoros 2015 World Championships, on the ITTF World Tour, in 2013 he won in Austria.

MS Prelim R2: Zhai Yujia (Denmark) beat Wong Chun Ting (Hong Kong China) 7-11, 11-4, 13-11, 3-11, 11-4, 11-7.
Winner at the 2019 ITTF Challenge Spanish Open, Zhai Yujia seized his chance against the top name on qualification duty, a player experiencing inconsistent results. At the ITTF World Team Qualification Tournament against Singapore Wong Chun Ting lost to Clarence Chew, facing Serbia he was beaten by Dimitrije Levajac but finished on a high note against the Czech Republic by overcoming Pavel Sirucek to secure a Tokyo place.

MS Prelim R2: Ioannis Sgouropoulos (Greece) beat Ho Kwan Kit (Hong Kong China) 9-11, 7-11, 15-13, 11-7, 11-9, 11-9
Twice winner of the junior boys’ singles title at the European Youth Championshipships and current under 21 European champion, Ioannis Sgouropoulos stepped up to the next level, his power evident. Notably Ho Kwan Kit won the men’s singles title on the 2014 ITTF World Tour in the Philippines.

MS Prelim R2: Alexandre Cassin (France) bt Chen Chien-An (Chinese Taipei) 11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8
Winner of the junior boys’ singles title at the European Youth Championships in 2014 and 2016 but yet to make his mark on the senior scene; in Magdeburg, Alexandre Cassin made his mark. Chen Chien-An has not really fulfilled the potential he displayed a decade ago; in 2008 in Madrid he was crowned World Junior champion.

MS Prelim R2: Xu Chenhao (China) beat Vladimir Samsonov (Belarus) 5-11, 12-10, 9-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-7
The best days of Vladimir Samsonov were in the late 1990s; against Chinese players with sound all round technical skills and speed a major facet, for the man who has won 27 ITTF World Tour men’s singles titles, life is now difficult. Xu Chenhao cannot match the record of Vladimir Samsonov but on the 2013 ITTF World Tour he was the runner up in Japan.

MS Prelim R2: Martin Allegro (Belgium) beat Gustavo Tsuboi (Brazil) 12-10, 11-6, 9-11, 12-10, 11-13, 11-8
One of the most familiar faces on the international scene, 23 years old Martin Allegro raised his level; his efforts were rewarded. Gustavo Tsuboi, now 34 years old, is now one of the more experienced players on the scene. Notably he has made four appearances in the Men’s World Cup.

WS Prelim R1: Daniela Monteiro Dodean (Romania) beat Liu Hsing-Yin (Chinese Taipei) 11-9, 12-10, 11-2, 11-8
Good form at the recent ITTF World Team Qualification Tournament in Gondomar where she remained unbeaten throughout, guiding Romania to Tokyo 2020; that good form was maintained. The surprise fact was not necessarily that she beat Liu Hsing-Yin, the margin was the stunning factor.

WS Prelim R1: Lisa Lung (Belgium) beat Ganna Gaponova (Ukraine) 11-9, 11-9, 11-4, 6-11, 6-11, 11-8
A controlled performance from 20 years old Lisa Lung against a very testing opponent underlined progress; overcoming the reliable defensive skills of Ganna Gaponova demands patience. Notably Ganna Gaponova progressed to third round of the women’s singles event at the Qoros 2015 World Championships.

MS Prelim R2: Zhang Kai (United States) beat Thiago Monteiro (Brazil) 11-13, 5-11, 13-11, 11-7, 13-11, 12-10
Last year at the 2019 ITTF Challenge Plus Paraguay Open, Zhang Kai caused a major upset in the opening round of the men’s singles event. He beat Japan’s Koki Niwa. In Magdeburg once again his powerful attacking play attracted the attention and caused a surprise against a more experienced player.

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This England team deserves a trophy - Marler

Published in Rugby
Tuesday, 28 January 2020 09:36

England prop Joe Marler says he has prolonged his international career to help deliver the silverware his team-mates deserve.

Marler, 29, retired from international rugby in September 2018, only to return to the fold nine months later to feature in the Rugby World Cup.

England went on to lose in the final to South Africa at Japan 2019.

"I think this team deserve something to show for it, something to actually lift," he told BBC Sport.

"So I am here to give that another crack...to give all I can to the cause."

England begin their Six Nations campaign away to France on Sunday, aiming to win the title for the first time since 2017.

Asked if he would have had gone back into international retirement had England won the Rugby World Cup, Marler said he "suspected that might have been the case".

However, he refused to put a time frame on how long he will continue in Test rugby saying he has "no idea" what he will do beyond the Six Nations.

Head coach Eddie Jones has written that he wished he had selected Marler ahead of loose-head rival Mako Vunipola for the final against the Springboks after seeing the England scrum suffer in defeat.

The pair, along with Leicester Ellis Genge, are the loose-head specialists in England's Six Nations squad.

'There are still what-ifs'

Marler admits that the Rugby World Cup final defeat still preys on his mind.

"There are moments, there are what-ifs, but I have had so much on my plate, the world keeps turning," he said.

Matt Proudfoot, who helped mastermind the Springboks win that day, has switched camps after being recruited as England's new forwards coach.

"I remember an exchange me and him had after the final as we were walking around and letting it all soak in. He walked up, we congratulated him but gave him a bit of stick as well," remembers Marler.

"I didn't think we would remember that, but he said 'you gave me a bit of a lip at the end there didn't you Joe? You were hoping I forgot that?'

"I said, 'I was hoping you would when you were announced as forwards coach!'"

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