Table tennis giant China got some scares at the unusual serving style of a
Yemen paddler as the world champions eased past their first test at the Asian
Games men's team event, starting at the Al Arabi Indoor Hall here on Wednesday.
"Some of my players were not familiar with the serving style of the Yemeni
paddlers, and got a little bit panic on receiving," said Liu Guoliang, head
coach of the Chinese men's table tennis team who won their opening match in Doha
without losing a set.
Hao Shuai was the most affected one as the Asiad debutant was forced to a
10-10 tie in his second set and only managed the set point by exploiting some
mistakes of his opponent.
"He (Hao Shuai) is just the better player than Mohammed Al Hashedi to win
11-4, 12-10 and 11-4," commented Liu. "But the scares we suffered alarm that no
team should take less seriously on the stage of the Asiad."
China next play India and Japan in other Group A encounters of the men's team
first round.
"I believe that my players can perform better and better," said a confident
Liu, who has led China to win a clean sweep at the 48th World Championships.
