Site Products
Lily Zhang Looks Ahead to National Title Defense in Vegas

Lily Zhang Looks Ahead to National Title Defense in Vegas

Lily Zhang Looks Ahead to National Title Defense in Vegas

(BY MATT HETHERINGTON)
Lily Zhang Looks Ahead to National Title Defense in Vegas
Lily Zhang stood on center court at the Brooklyn Bowl a year ago holding the pressure, surrounded by spectators on both ground level and on the mezzanine above. On that occasion she won her third US National Women’s Singles title over her Rio Olympic Teammate Jiaqi Zheng.

July 7th she hopes to have earned her place in the final again, this time to be hosted by The Silverton Hotel and Casino, where she will aim to claim her 4th National Title. Celebrating her 21st birthday this past week, Lily Zhang admits that she used to dread the pressure of nationals, but has come to embrace it over the years.

I’ve really learned to channel that pressure into a feeling of pure anticipation and adrenaline‘ – Lily Zhang.

And no doubt the competition will offer the adrenaline she desires. Over 750 players will travel to Las Vegas and the Women’s Singles Event is one of the main events, Lily will battle not only for the title but for the $8,000 top prize.

She recognizes that the road will be tough with two other Olympians in the Women’s Singles draw – her Rio 2016 teammate Yue Wu and 2008 Beijing Quarterfinalist Wang Chen. Zhang is able to step back and look at the big picture, citing that any current or former national team members could potentially pose a threat. Her mindset is not to underestimate any opponent and to play every match with an equal amount of dedication and fight to win.

The new venue at The Silverton Hotel and Casino looks to continue a growing tradition in hosting major finals sessions in exciting new venues to improve the promotion of table tennis as a competitive sport.

It’s really refreshing to see a new spin on table tennis. It shows off a more fun side of table tennis that’s both entertaining and professional.

I hope the changes will bring more exposure to the sport.‘ – Lily Zhang.

Zhang will join hundreds of other athletes, competing in over 95 different table tennis events – from teams, singles and doubles to National Youth Team trials and the trial for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games – an event in which Zhang won America’s first ever Olympic Table Tennis Medal.

For full article, please click here

Latest News

Racket Up All the Time

July 18, 2025
Robot will play RANDOM top spin balls to 2/3 of the table (Backhand), Forehand topspin from Forehand/ middle… Read More

Keep the Swing as Compact as Possible

July 16, 2025
Robot will play RANDOM top spin balls to 2/3 of the table (Backhand, only Forehand topspin from this… Read More

Reviewing Bugller with Logan Rietz

July 15, 2025
(by: Logan Rietz) I love pips.  I like chopping with them, hitting with them, anything I can do… Read More

Keep Your Elbow Closer to Your Body

July 14, 2025
WAIT FUNCTION: Serve long serve to elbow and Robot plays topspin to Forehand, Forehand spin block or counter… Read More

#3 High toss serve that disrupts the opponent’s rhythm and leads to a quick attack

July 14, 2025
[Feature] [Special feature] America’s star! Jha’s strong points #3 High toss serve that disrupts the opponent’s rhythm and… Read More

Ten Tips for Faster Footwork

July 14, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) Tie your shoes tight so there’s less give when you move. Grippy shoes on non-grippy… Read More

Rogelio Castro – Third Ball Attack

July 14, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Rogelio Castro is executing the “Third Ball Attack” using his… Read More

MLTT Featured Team: Chicago Wind

July 14, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo MLTT) The Chicago Wind plan to blow over competition in the upcoming Major League… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.