The Best Training Is Participating in Matches
by Victor Liu / Courtesy of USA Table Tennis
My Experience at the 2015 Nikon Hong Kong Junior and Cadet Open
“The best training is participating in matches” is what I learned from my coach in Taiwan, and I experienced the validity of that statement in those five days at the Hong Kong Junior and Cadet Open.
The tournament was held in Hong Kong from August 5 to August 9. This year, I registered for five events, which is the maximum number allowed. This was the first time I participated in that many events in five days. Last year, I did not do as well as I hoped to, so I wanted to see how much I have improved after one year of practice.
I flew to Taiwan by myself for a 3-week enclosed training on the second day right after the US Open in Las Vegas. I practiced Ping Pong in a stifling room with no air conditioning, and the storms outside only contributed to the humidity. While training with the team, I noticed many differences from my training in America. Instead of individual training with one coach, I trained with another player and practiced self-made drills since the coaches did not give a specific outline. Those three weeks were helpful to my physical conditioning, and I felt I was better prepared for the Hong Kong tournament. I was eager to show to the other players that America can also win on the table.
There were nearly 150 players participating in the Hong Kong Tournament this year to compete for only 12 gold medals. Naturally the biggest team, Hong Kong sent 70 players. China, China Taipei, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, and other countries also sent relatively large teams. Unlike the tournaments typically seen in America, this tournament included players with their own perspective styles and different backgrounds. I’m pretty proud of my results this year, taking three gold medals home for cadet teams, cadet doubles, as well as the junior doubles events with Yingbin Xu, an outstanding cadet player from the China national team. This was not only the first time I have met Yingbin but also the first time partnering up with him. Yingbin and I had great team chemistry after getting acquainted with each other. Our collaboration improved as we played more events and built team spirit. This was an amazing experience of cross-cultural partnership. At that time, I felt very grateful to my parents who insisted that I learn Chinese which was my advantage compared with other non-Chinese speaking American players. I was able to learn from many strong Chinese table tennis players, to understand the instructions of Chinese coaches, and to acquire new philosophies of playing Ping Pong. I made a lot of friends with players around the world. Although the players came from a variety of different places, we all have one thing in common: we are athletes. We have an enthusiasm for playing, a desire to win, and most importantly a passion for Ping Pong itself.
During the events, I was a bit nervous because I was competing with some of the top juniors and cadets from Asia. I told myself to relax and to treat events as top-notch training just as my coach says. More importantly, I wanted to win, and I wanted to show people that America has outstanding table tennis players. In addition, my family, my coaches, and my friends in America were watching me play. They followed the real time streaming despite the time difference and sent me feedback and encouragement after every match. What a great “back-up team” I have! My confidence grew with each passing day and event, and I harnessed that confidence in games.
I still feel exhilarated when I think of the stimulating atmosphere of the tournament. The number of people there was insane. Unlike America, where usually only the players, parents, and other coaches would watch, this place had entire schools cheering for the home team. I can’t help but imagine a time when we will have cheer teams for table tennis in America. It is a dream that I genuinely wish to see fulfilled.
I enjoyed the matches and excitement of winning. Although I am content with my results this year, there is still room for improvement. Now I am back home to begin a new round of training. I am enthused to gain match experience, to participate in future games, and to learn from the matches. Thinking of all of this, I realize how much I enjoy being an athlete, playing ping pong, and growing as a competitive player.
