"Grand Slam" paddler Wang Nan beaten to miss Asiad final
(Xinhua)Updated: 2006-12-07 10:26
DOHA - All-conquering Wang Nan tumbled at the Asian Games, losing her semifinal clash to Tie Yana of Hong Kong, China 4-3 here Wednesday at the women's table tennis singles event.
 China's "Grand Slam" veteran paddler Wang Nan wipes after losing to Chinese Hong Kong's Tie Yana in women's singles semifinal 6-11, 11-8, 11-4, 2-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-6 December 6, 2006. Tie will meet China's Guo Yue in the final game. [Xinhua] |
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.
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