Overcoming Challenges Butterfly Table Tennis

(Author: Natalie Chan)

Weeks of practice lessons every day and it finally paid off! The Spartans Table Tennis Club had its first tournament ever in June of this year and I was very excited to take part in it. My goal was to get to the semifinals of the U19 tournament. However, I knew it would be difficult because I was the eighth seed. I should win the top seed of my group and not lose to a person sown under me.

In the group stage, I won the group by winning 1st place 3-1. My own services won a lot of points in this match and I practiced my services long before this tournament, so I was glad to see that my work paid off. I was also able to manage well, which eventually helped me win. I won the second match 3-0, so I advanced from the group!

I got one elimination as the fourth seed, so I got hello in the quarterfinals. In the semi-finals, I played the second seed of the event. I started the match by winning the first two games 11-5 and 11-3. I was able to place the balls wide on each ball of the rally, which gave me a huge advantage. However, I started to lose focus and lost the next game 5-11. After the game, I lost close to 10-12. After losing the previous two games, I got more nervous. My hands were shaking and I couldn’t repeat the quality I had played before. I was 8-10, and I was calmer focusing on just about every spot. After that, I won 4 points in a row to win the match 3-2.

The final was late at night and I had to play another girl I had lost several times before. I knew what I was facing, and before I started, I thought about strategies, weaknesses, and strengths. I was shocked when I lost the first game 5-11. However, I went through and won the next game 11-5 and leveled the match. Winning the game gave me momentum, and I started confusing my input and placement. I ended the match by winning the next two games 11-7 and 11-9. I was happy to be able to perform at U19, not only because it was my first time, but also because I was able to perform well.

Finally, it would not be possible for me to continue to develop without the support of my parents, coaches and sponsors. Special thanks to my Spartans Table Tennis Center coaches for the great training, encouragement and coaching. I would also like to thank Bowmar Sports for sponsoring and providing the best equipment.

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