All-conquering Wang Nan tumbled at the Asian Games, losing her semifinal
clash to Tie Yana of Hong Kong, China 4-3 in Doha yesterday at the
women's table tennis singles event.
The "Grand Slam" paddler, winner of Olympics, world championships and World
Cup, lost it 6-11, 11-8, 11-4, 2-11, 7-11,11-7, 11-6.
"I've no regrets, however, and I'm gratified to have won the women's team
championship," said a sobbed Wang who tried hard to keep herself calm down but
still had to cut answers short while facing press after the defeat.
In the seventh set, Wang wasted a flying start of 5-0, put herself going
under pressure, and was overtaken the lead 5-8, 6-10 before Tie forced a
off-the-bound return from Wang with a lucky receiving just keeping her playing
after kissing the net.
"Wang has been too nervous during the match, and I just played beyond my
level," commented Tie, a Chinese-born Hong Kong veteran who will turn 29 years
old in two weeks.
"I think Wang has put too much pressure on herself, and she failed to stick
to her tactics which helped her pull back two sets halfway," echoed Tie's coach
Li Huifen.
"For sure it's a better performance from Tie, who never beat Wang before this
match. She scored some extraordinary play which she might not dare to do," she
added.
"I'm so glad she finally woke up," sang a happy Li.
Wang did not find her rhythm until the fourth set which she just let go two
points, and took the fifth 11-7. But the scene failed to be repeated in the
following sets.
Also the 28-year-old player has obviously beaten by the tight schedule,
according to which she had played four matches Tuesday.