11 Questions with Richard Perez
Courtesy of USA Table Tennis, USATT Insider

1) Why do you play? 

I play because it’s my drug of choice. There is a level of wholesomeness that is found among TT players that is unlike any other. This sport truly is the most enjoyable IMO. I’ve bowled and thrown darts on many leagues, and Table Tennis blows them away.

2) Which is your favorite tournament? 

US Open
The level of talent from all over the world is incredible. I love to umpire these fantastic matches.

3) Who is your primary nemesis? 

I have a few locally, but I would say Scott Badillo. He was always traveling to our club to play and losing terribly. Then he started getting lessons from Samson Dubina and I have not been able to beat him for the last year.

4) What is your favorite game tactic to score? 

Fishing until they make a soft return high to my backhand and then SMASH it because I’m too lazy to run around to my forehand.

5) Thoughts on the Poly Ball. 

At first, I was appalled and hated it. But since this new Butterfly G40+ ball has come out, I’m in total love. There seems to be a fine line between roundness and durability. The Nittaku Premium 40+ ball was the best until the Butterfly ball came out.

6) Toughest Loss? 

Too many to list! But let’s say from the most recent tourney. I had this player who has always beaten me in Triangle TTC down 2-0, 10-8 in the 3rd match. He came back to beat me 11-9 in the 5th. His name is Ping Xiao. And I will have victory next time!!!!

7) Greatest Win? 

Hmm, I guess it would have to be against Elvis Lopez from the Charlotte TTC. He has been 1900 and was surprised I was attacking so consistently. By the 5th game, I kept the pressure up and he finally let me win. I lost the next match to John Pahl and had to default because I was too tired to play anymore. It took every bit of energy to win against Elvis.

8) How you prepare for a tournament? 

I ask my best bud Tony Murnahan to meet me at our secret spot and then practice 2500 level shots. We train like that for at least 2 weeks before. Then, I forget everything the night before the tournament.

9) When you see a new player at the club, what do you do? 

I frisk them for weapons.
(just kidding)

I ask what brings them to town, how long they are staying and when they started playing. Then I grab a table and hit casually around with them.

10) Player you would most like to play in a tournament? 

Jimmy Butler

11) If you had to face Timothy or Crystal Wang what would your game plan be?

Game plan would be to blind fold them. And maybe ask for 6 point handicap.

Then bet $500 a game.