Chinese table tennis sensation Guo Yue deems that winning a team gold medal
at the Asian Games is more important than a singles.
"I do want to win a singles gold medal, but first of all, I will help the
team clinch the title," said Guo, who had been rumored to be
excluded from the national team for indiscipline.
"Team honor is always more important than an individual one," added the
18-year-old who took a training session Monday morning at the Al Arabi Indoor
Hall, which will hold the table tennis tournament from Nov. 27 to Dec. 7.
Guo Yue had a lackluster season in 2006 as the 2008 Olympic hopeful was
widely criticized for her performance in the Chinese Super League with Liaoning
team. Rumors had been around that Guo was expelled by the national team and
chided by senior teammate Wang Nan.
"My coaches and teammates have been very helpful at the training camp ahead
of the Asiad, and I trained hard and have improved a lot," said Guo, who has
been considered the one to bring the world women's table tennis into new
generation after helping China win the world team crown in 2004.
"Guo has grown up through the training camp in preparation for the Asian
Games, not only in techniques but also in mentality," said Shi Zhihao, head
coach of the Chinese women's team.