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Intense day, medallists decided, colour unknown

Published in Table Tennis

Friday, 20 September 2019 08:00

One interloper in the penultimate round of the men’s singles event, in the women’s singles, China is totally dominant. Chen Meng meets Liu Shiwen, Ding Ning opposes Sun Yingsha.

Meanwhile at the same stage of the men’s doubles, Fan Zhendong and Xu Xin play Japan’s Maharu Yoshimura and Shunsuke Togami, Liang Jingkun and Lin Gaoyuan oppose Hong Kong’s Lam Siu Hang and Ng Pak Nam; for the women’s doubles, it is Chen Meng and Wang Manyu versus Japan’s Miu Hirano and Kasumi Ishikawa; Ding Ning and Zhu Yuling in opposition to Saki Shibata and Hitomi Sato, also from Japan.

Focused

Totally focused on the task ahead, Xu Xin, the top seed, accounted for Japan’s Maharu Yoshimura, the no.12 seed (7-11, 11-8, 11-2, 11-5), before ending the hopes of Korea Republic’s Lee Sangsu, the no.8 seed in clinical style (11-7, 11-6, 11-8).

Similarly, Fan Zhendong underlined the fact that he was in no mood to surrender the title won in 2017 in Wuxi; the no.2 seed, he overcame Chinese Taipei’s Liao Cheng-Ting, the no.35 seed (11-4, 11-5, 11-4) and then followed with success against colleague Wang Chuqin, the no.9 seed (11-8, 12-10, 11-6).

Comprehensive wins, Tomokazu Harimoto, the no.4 seed, was in the same vein; he recorded a straight games win against Chinese Taipei’s Chen Chien-An, the no.14 seed (11-5, 11-9, 12-10) and then dealt out the same medicine when facing Korea Republic’s Jeoung Youngsik, the no.10 seed (11-8, 11-7, 11-5), the somewhat surprise fourth round winner in opposition to China’s Liang Jingkun, the no.5 seed (11-8, 11-7, 11-5).

Impressive performances, Lin Gaoyuan, the no.3 seed, was in the same mode, after overcoming Korea Republic’s An Jaehyun, the no.16 seed (11-9, 11-8, 11-9), he ended the hopes of the crowd favourite, India’s Sathiyan Gnasakeran, the no.11 seed (11-7, 11-5, 8-11, 11-8).

No repeat

In the women’s singles there was to be no repeat of 2017 when Ding Ning had lost in the quarter-final round to Miu Hirano; the no.2 seed, after ousting India’s Ayhika Mukherjee, the no.30 seed (11-5, 11-13, 11-4, 11-9), Ding Ning prevailed against her teenage opponent, the no.7 seed in straight games (11-8, 13-11, 11-4).

Likewise, Chen Meng, the top seed, showed no charity. She recorded a straight games success against Japan’s Miyu Kato, the no.16 seed (11-8, 11-7, 11-8), before repeating the feat in opposition to Singapore’s Feng Tianwei, the no.10 seed (11-6, 11-7, 11-8).

Imposing performances; similarly, Liu Shiwen, the no.4 seed, accounted for DPR Korea’s Kim Song I, the no.12 seed (11-9, 11-13, 11-4, 11-7) and then followed with success in opposition to Japan’s Kasumi Ishikawa, the no.6 seed (11-7, 11-8, 11-8). Commanding efforts, Sun Yingsha, the no.5 seed, was not to be left out; she reserved her semi-final place courtesy of success against colleague Wang Manyu, the no.3 seed, having one round earlier beaten Japan’s Hitomi Sato, the no.13 seed (11-5, 11-5, 11-3).

Hitomi Sato and Saki Shibata upset seeding

Earlier in the day, at the quarter-final stage of the women’s doubles event it had been success for China and Japan, the pair to attract the attention being that of Hitomi Sato and Saki Shibata. They emerged the one partnership to upset the order of merit; the no.5 seeds, they accounted for Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem and Lee Ho Ching, the no.4 seeds (11-8, 11-9, 6-11, 12-10).

Success for Japan against Hong Kong, it was the same in the opposite half of the draw, the only difference being that the outcome was as predicted. Miu Hirano and Kasumi Ishikawa, the no.3 seeds, accounted for Minnie Soo Wai Yam and Zhu Chengzhu, the no.9 seeds (11-2, 14-12, 13-11).

Semi-final places for Japan, the same for China; Chen Meng and Wang Manyu, the top seeds, beat Korea Republic’s Jeon Jihee and Yang Haeun, the no.7 seeds (11-3, 11-4, 11-9); Ding Ning and Zhu Yuling, the no.2 seeds, overcame Chinese Taipei’s Chen Szu-Yu and Cheng Hsien Tzu, the no.6 seeds (11-4, 11-8, 8-11, 11-7).

Lam Siu Hang and Ng Pak Nam respond

Disappointment for Hong Kong, at the same stage of the men’s doubles event there was success but arguably not as anticipated. Wong Chun Ting and Ho Kwan Kit, the no.4 seeds, lost to Maharu Yoshimura and Shunsuke Togami, the no.10 seeds (13-15, 11-9, 12-10, 11-7).

However, Lam Siu Hang and Ng Pak Nam responded. The no.12 seeds, they beat DPR Korea’s Ri Jong Sik and Ham Yu Song, the no.21 seeds (6-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-5), very much a pair in form. In the opening round they had beaten Korea Republic’s Jeoung Youngsik and Lee Sangsu, the no.3 seeds (12-10, 10-12, 11-6, 11-9).

Mixed fortunes for Hong Kong, for China it was winning fortunes but not without some anxious moments. Fan Zhendong and Xu Xin, the top seeds, beat Korea Republic’s Jang Woojin and Cho Daeseong, the no.5 seeds in style (11-4, 11-7, 11-8); somewhat differently, Liang Jingkun and Lin Gaoyuan needed the full five games to end the hopes of India’s Sharath Kamal Achanta and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, the no.6 seeds (11-6, 10-12, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9).

Schedule

The men’s doubles will be played to a conclusion on Saturday 21st September, as will the women’s singles and the mixed doubles; the women’s doubles semi-finals and final in addition to the men’s singles semi-finals and final will be held on Sunday 22nd September.

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Request for Proposals to become Official Partner of the Equipment Assistance Program

Published in Table Tennis

Friday, 20 September 2019 08:52

In just over 20 years, the ITTF and its partners have supplied over 1300 equipment packages of varying scope to National Associations globally. This can include tables, nets, surrounds, rackets, balls, umpire tables, coaching manuals or other equipment specific support.

Throughout the program, NAs have benefited from over 4500 tables, almost 80,000 rackets and over one million balls.

However, as part of the expanded and revised Continental Development program within the framework of the ITTF’s Strategic Plan, launched in 2018, the Equipment Assistance Program is also expanding and undergoing changes to adhere to the vision of “Table Tennis. For all. For life.” and an effort for collaborative working with all our partners in a transparent way.

One of these changes is a new focus on grass roots development. Those NAs focused on grass roots development will be able to receive more participation orientated equipment, rather than the competition centred equipment packages of NAs striving for the development of High Performance pathways.

Due to this expansion and growth, the ITTF is now opening a Request for Proposals to become an Official Partner of the Equipment Assistance Program to National Associations.

Equipment suppliers, as one of ITTF’s most important partners in growing and developing the sport, are a key stakeholder, and it is ITTF’s goal to be able to work collaboratively with our equipment partners. In line with good governance principles that ITTF adheres to, all future equipment partnerships shall be in an open and transparent bid format. The new Official Partner(s) will help meet the new Program challenges for the period 2019-2020:

Overall increase of packages due to the new Continental Development programmes.
Diversified packages, basic and competition, due to the different needs on the ground.
Geographical distribution from the logistics point of view consequently resulting in lower freight costs

For more information on the programme, and how to apply, please click here: ITTF Equipment Assistance Program – Request for Proposal

The deadline for proposals is Tuesday, 15 October 2019.

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Australia v Fiji match preview (Sat)

Published in Rugby

Thursday, 19 September 2019 02:07

Coach Michael Cheika has reunited David Pocock and Michael Hooper in the Australia back row as his side begin their World Cup against Fiji.

Pocock and Hooper, who are both specialists around the breakdown, last started together for Australia in a win over Italy in November.

Pocock's selection means flanker Lukhan Salakaia-Loto drops to the bench.

Fiji have named lock Leone Nakarawa, number eight Viliame Mata and wing Josua Tuisova in a powerful line-up.

Semi Radradra, who was a star in Australian domestic rugby league with the Parramatta Eels before switching to union, where he has played for French sides Toulon and Bordeaux, is on the wing after making all his previous international starts at centre.

Australia have named Christian Lealiifano, who returned to international rugby in July after treatment for leukaemia, at fly-half ahead of Bernard Foley, who guided the side to the final of the 2015 tournament.

The Wallabies beat New Zealand in Perth in August and have been set a target of making the final once again by Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle.

Wales, Georgia and Uruguay complete Pool D.

Teams

Australia: Beale; Hodge, O'Connor, Kerevi, Koroibete; Lealiifano, White; Sio, Latu, Alaalatoa, Rodda, Arnold, Pocock, Hooper (c), Naisarani.

Replacements: Uelese, Slipper, Kepu, Coleman, Salakaia-Loto, Genia, To'omua, Haylett-Petty

Fiji: Murimurivalu; Tuisova, Nayacalevu, Botia, Radradra; Volavola, Lomani; Ma'afu, Matavesi, Ravai, Cavubati, Nakarawa, Waqaniburotu (c), Yato, Mata,

Replacements: Vugakoto, Mawi, Saulo, Ratuva, Voka, Matawalu, Veitokani, Goneva

What they said

Australia coach Michael Cheika: "We do our absolute best and wherever the cards fall, I'll be absolutely proud of my team. They've put in so much work so far against a background of pressure from off the field, not on it.

"They've stood tall and they've worked hard through it. They've copped plenty and they are ready for the battle."

Fiji coach John McKee: "We know Australia are a very good team and present a big challenge for us but, because of our preparation, I know that our team is mentally and physically ready for that challenge.

"It would give us a great boost if we are able to get a win but we have taken the view that we are in a series of four games and the top two teams go through.

"It doesn't ride on one game. There could be a lot of twists and turns in the pool."

Stats

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New Zealand v South Africa match preview (Sat)

Published in Rugby

Thursday, 19 September 2019 00:36

Beauden Barrett will start at full-back as New Zealand begin their attempt to win a third straight World Cup against South Africa on Saturday.

Coach Steven Hansen has opted for Crusaders' Richie Mo'unga at fly-half, with inexperienced wings George Bridge and Sevu Reece also in the XV.

Only five of Barrett's previous 48 All Black starts have come at 15.

Siya Kolisi leads a South Africa team with a back three of Cheslin Kolbe, Makazole Mapimpi and Willie le Roux.

Gloucester's Franco Mostert forms the second row with Eben Etzebeth.

Coach Rassie Erasmus said the line-up, which beat Japan 41-7 in their final warm-up, was his "best side".

New Zealand and South Africa, favourites and second-favourites to win the tournament respectively, have met three times over the past 12 months, each securing narrow victories before July's 16-16 draw in Wellington.

Both teams have been preparing for wet and humid conditions in Yokohama, with rain forecast just before kick-off and temperatures expected to be over 20C.

"It's going to be a massive challenge with the rain they're predicting. Everyone's talking about the slippery ball and the wetness. Kicking is going to play a big part," said Erasmus.

The South Africa coach had suggested earlier in the week that New Zealand's recent dominance of the international game meant referees gave them preferential treatment.

However, All Black counterpart Steve Hansen said his comments were a transparent attempt to sway French official Jerome Garces, who has sent off Scott Barrett and Sonny Bill Williams while in All Black action over the past couple of years.

"Whilst I have a lot of respect for South Africa and Rassie, I don't agree with what he's doing," said Hansen.

"He's trying to put pressure on the referees externally, and they are under enough pressure already. They don't need coaches to be doing what he's doing."

Teams

New Zealand: B Barrett; Reece, Lienert-Brown, Crotty, Bridge; Mo'unga, Smith; Moody, Coles, Laulala, Whitelock, S Barrett, Savea, Cane, Read (c).

Replacements: Taylor, Tu'ungafasi, Ta'avao, Tuipulotu, Frizell, Perenara, Williams, Smith.

South Africa: Le Roux; Kolbe, Am, De Allende, Mapimpi; Pollard, De Klerk; Kitshoff, Marx, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi (c), Du Toit, Vermeulen.

Replacements: Mbonambi, Mtawarira, Nyakane, Snyman, Louw, H Jantjies, Steyn, Kriel.

What they said

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen: "Any combination of players in our squad could have justified their selection. But in the end we believe the 23 we have selected is the right group for this opposition.

"To perform at our very best, we'll have to play with real clarity, intent, energy and clear heads. Both teams will have their moments and it'll be our job to ensure we limit theirs and take full opportunity of ours."

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus: "You couldn't say there is a favourite. I think we have a healthy respect for each other's capabilities but it will come down to a small moment to decide a big game in the end," the coach said.

"Our job is to focus on executing our plan and our skills to the best of our ability and hope that that is enough to overcome a New Zealand team that will be doing exactly the same."

Stats

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'I don't know what Best has to do to win people over'

Published in Rugby

Friday, 20 September 2019 06:16

Ireland captain Rory Best "is the best version of himself he has ever been", says ex-Irish centre Darren Cave.

Best, whose team begin their World Cup bid against Scotland on Sunday, has faced criticism in recent weeks over his line-out throwing and it was suggested his captaincy may also be under threat.

"I don't know what Rory has got to do to win people over," said Cave.

"For some reason he has to constantly keep proving himself."

He added: "I don't think there has ever been a rugby player that has had to prove themselves so many times - but he is such a belligerent guy, it probably brings out the best in him," added the 11-times capped international.

Best will retire from playing after the World Cup but Cave believes the Ulster hooker is still a huge influence on the squad, as well as meriting his berth in the starting line-up.

"Some people say he's past it but he is as fit as he ever was. His tackling, his leadership, the impact he has on other players and his work at the breakdown all make him a key component of Joe Schmidt's team.

"He is Ireland's most successful captain and people respect him for the way he conducts himself and how hard he trains, but also for what he has achieved."

First up for Ireland in Pool A on Sunday is an encounter with regular Six Nations opponents Scotland in Yokohama, followed by games against Japan, Russia and Samoa.

If Ireland progress from their group, New Zealand or South Africa are their likely quarter-final opponents as they attempt to progress beyond the last eight for the first time.

Cave said: "When the draw happened a couple of years ago, it looked like Ireland had a free run but since then Scotland have improved massively and Japan have had some fantastic results.

"We know the physicality the Russians and the Samoans have, so it has turned out to be quite a tricky group.

"The way Scotland play will suit Ireland I think. The way to beat Ireland is through absolute brute power, like England did twice this year and like Wales did in the Six Nations.

"Scotland will try to move the ball a lot, which will really suit Ireland. While Scotland are a good side, I think Ireland have the beating of them."

'All Blacks favourites'

Cave, who retired at the end of last season after making 229 appearances for Ulster, makes New Zealand favourites to win the tournament for a third consecutive time.

"I think the All Blacks are favourites. They are the team I'd be looking to avoid - outside of that, it's an absolute lottery.

"I wasn't massively impressed by South Africa or Australia but they made me sit up and take notice by both beating New Zealand comfortably in the Rugby Championship.

"England are very, very strong but Ireland showed the kind of form in their last two warm-up games to give us hope. I think we are on the right track again."

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Cincinnati Inc. Inks 10-Year Deal With Hendrick

Published in Racing

Friday, 20 September 2019 06:48

CONCORD, N.C. – Machine tool manufacturer Cincinnati Inc. has joined Hendrick Motorsports as an official partner via a 10-year agreement that will begin in 2019 and run through the 2028 racing season.

Cincinnati will be showcased as primary sponsor of driver Alex Bowman’s No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the Oct. 6 NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Int’l Speedway and in two events in 2020.

In addition to being named Hendrick Motorsports’ official metal fabrication and additive equipment provider, the Ohio-based company will become a full-season associate sponsor of the team’s entire four-car stable for the next decade.

“We are absolutely thrilled to begin this relationship with Hendrick Motorsports,” said Rakesh Kumar, vice president of sales, service and marketing for Cincinnati Inc., which was founded in the 1890s. “Rick Hendrick’s teams have a long and storied history of winning at every level. We are proud to be associated with that incredible record and partner with another enduring American brand. We look forward to starting off our partnership as a primary sponsor of Alex Bowman and having a presence across all four teams for many years to come.”

Hendrick Motorsports will utilize Cincinnati’s equipment in the development and construction of its full fleet of race cars, including laser cutting, press brake and additive manufacturing machinery. Cincinnati’s 10-year commitment is the longest single sponsorship pact in the history of the team, which was founded in 1984.

“Ten years is quite a statement,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “It demonstrates how the Cincinnati team feels about NASCAR and the opportunities the sport presents for their business. From the perspective of our team, it’s a major endorsement of how fantastic the Cincinnati products are and the confidence we have that the relationship will help provide a competitive advantage on the racetrack. We look forward to a lot of trips to Victory Lane together over the next decade.”

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PHOTOS: Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals

Published in Racing

Friday, 20 September 2019 07:00

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HEDGER: Less Racing Sometimes Equals More Fun

Published in Racing

Friday, 20 September 2019 08:00

Ron Hedger

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. — Anyone who races has to enjoy it.

Otherwise the never-ending work and time spent going down the highway wouldn’t be worth it. Two drivers who especially appreciate racing with the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions are Dale Blaney and Paul McMahan.

“I hurt my thumb at work in the fab shop last year and was out for three months,” Blaney explained “I couldn’t race so I lost my ride and only showed 10 or 11 races for the whole season. I’d usually run 70 or more, so it was a big change. I’m not sure we’ll get to 70 this year with all the rainouts, but we’re trying.”

Last year was the first season in memory that Blaney hadn’t run a complete schedule.

“I guess I probably needed the time off,” Blaney said. “My longtime owner, mechanic and friend, George Fisher, passed away at the end of the 2016 season and it was tough going to races without him. 2017 was not much fun because it just wasn’t the same. It was probably a blessing to sit out last year after I got hurt. I ended up helping my brother, Dave, a little bit and got my desire to race back.

“It was like losing your wife. Friends of mine have had their wife die and it took them two or three years to recover. I felt like them.”

Blaney is driving for Sam McGhee Motorsports this season and had three victories through July 24.

“ It’s only their second year of racing,” Blaney explained. “Ryan Smith ran it last year and they learned from him. They’re still learning but they’re getting to be pretty good at it, and I see the potential for them to get a lot better.

“It took a couple of months for me to get back in the groove, plus we had to figure each other out between rainouts. Now we’ve found a routine and it’s a lot easier. When you don’t race much, you have to put yourself in racing situations and hone your skills again. A good driver never forgets how to race but it takes a little while to be sharp again.”

Now that he’s comfortable, competitive and winning races again, it seems like Blaney may be back for the long haul.

“I hope so,” said the 55-year-old Blaney. “My eyes are still good and my reaction time hasn’t changed. Someday they’ll start going the other way but as long as I’m still competitive, still winning, I’m going to keep going. I’m like my brother, Dave. He’s still a really good driver but now he gets his enjoyment from building his own cars and trying new things. When he hits on something, he’s as fast as ever. I guess both of us just appreciate having the chance to keep racing at the upper levels of the sport.”

McMahan, 48, is another advocate of the ASCoC schedule, which lets top drivers compete without having to follow the far-flung World of Outlaws trail.

“I really enjoy this deal,” said McMahan. “I love being home in Hendersonville, Tenn., with my wife, sleeping in my own bed and having a real job. I work for QuickCar Racing Products as a production assistant and life is good.

“I was out there with the World of Outlaws so long that it wasn’t fun anymore,” he added. “There’s politics in racing everywhere, but there you had to deal with it every day. I’ve raced for a living since 1997 and spent 20 years with the Outlaws. I was fortunate to be able to do it that long.

“The All Star schedule is just enough to keep my ambition going. We don’t go if we don’t want to and sometimes we take a weekend off. After all these years, it’s great to do nothing, absolutely nothing. My wife and I go to the lake, we hang out, we have a nice dinner, all the things you miss when you’re on the road all the time.”

McMahan’s days as an outlaw have come and gone.

“No way. I wouldn’t go back,” he said. “I have no desire to run with the Outlaws again except for the Florida shows. I still love to race but I’m not doing it full time anymore. Owners want to buy a car off the shelf and go out and beat Schatz. That’s not going to happen. Nobody has more time together than Donny’s team.

“That’s why Brad Sweet is so good now,” McMahan added. “He’s been with Kasey Kahne a long time and has a good crew to go with some good cars. You reap the benefits seven or eight years later but most owners won’t wait that long. My owner now, Tom Buch, is pretty easy going, so life is good.”

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Marquez Easily Tops Aragon Speed Charts

Published in Racing

Friday, 20 September 2019 09:09

ALCANIZ, Spain – Marc Marquez easily topped the speed charts on the opening day of MotoGP action Friday at Motorland Aragón.

Marquez was more than a second clear of his closest rivals aboard his Repsol Honda bike, topping the practice charts with a fast lap of 1:46.869. Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales was second fastest, 1.145 seconds slower than Marquez.

“Today we started very well and actually we ended quite well too,” Marquez said. “In the morning we did our time attack, I felt good and with the potential weather tomorrow I thought it was best. It was a quite good lap. In the afternoon we worked a lot with used tires and unfortunately had a small crash but we learned a lot from it. Aside from this little fall everything went well and I think there’s still some more time to find.”

Marquez’s fast lap came in the first practice, but it wasn’t all roses in the second practice. Marquez crashed his Honda in turn eight, but escaped uninjured and was able to continue.

Despite being more than a second off the pace set by Marquez in the first practice, Yamaha riders swept the top-three positions in the second practice.

Vinales’ lap left him second fastest overall, followed by fellow Yamaha riders Valentino Rossi and Fabio Quartararo. Red Bull KTM’s Pol Espargaro was fifth fastest overall, 1.5 seconds behind Marquez.

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Hamilton Nips Verstappen On Day One In Singapore

Published in Racing

Friday, 20 September 2019 09:33

MARINA BAY, Singapore – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time on the opening day of Formula One practice at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on Friday.

Hamilton edged Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the fastest lap of the day in the second practice, circling the 3.146-mile, 23-turn circuit in 1:38.773. Verstappen’s fastest lap was .184 seconds off the pace set by Hamilton.

“It’s always a shock to the system when you first get in the car here in Singapore because it’s very bumpy, it’s a long lap and it’s so hot out there – it’s like a sauna in the car,” Hamilton said. “But it’s been a solid first day, we got through our run plan and continued to improve the car, so I’m really happy with it. I felt much better in the car today than I have for a while, so I hope I can keep that feeling over the weekend. They re-did a few bits of tarmac on the circuit and I managed to get the tires working well. If you can get into a groove and into a rhythm here, it’s such a beautiful lap, so I’ve really been enjoying it. But nothing’s ever perfect and we definitely have some areas that we can still improve on. We’ve got off to a good start, but the Red Bulls looked very quick and we still have to put it all together tomorrow, which is not going to be easy.”

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was third fastest overall, followed by the Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas and the Red Bull of Alexander Albon.

The only major incident on Friday saw Bottas run his Mercedes into a barrier at turn 19. The Mercedes team was able to repair his car and get him back on track for the second practice.

Albon also ran into trouble during the second practice, nosing his car into a tire barrier. The Red Bull entry suffered minor damage to the front wing.

Charles Leclerc, the winner of the last two Formula One events, had an up-and-down day. He retired early from the first practice with a gearbox issue, but rebounded to set the sixth fastest time overall in practice two.

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