Zhang Yining, the number one seed in the Women's Singles event at
the Champion of Champions tournament in Changsha took no prisoners
on Wednesday.
In the final she beat her doubles partner and Chinese national
team colleague, Wang Nan, in four straight games. Zhang Yining won
11-9, 11-7, 11-8, 11-4; gaining in strength and self-confidence as
the one-sided duel unfolded.
Wang Nan and Zhang Yining have met many times in international
events with the balance of power being in favour of Zhang Yining.
However, few of her victories have been as comfortable as this.
"I didn't expect to win that easily, I'm really very surprised",
explained Zhang Yining who had given an absolutely faultless
performance.
"Wang Nan played extremely well to beat Guo Yan in the semis;
that was a tough opponent for her", added Zhang Yining. "I think
this is the most comfortable win I've ever had over Wang Nan."
When Wang Nan plays a fight-back is expected; she's recovered
from impossible situations time and again in her illustrious career
but the miracle recovery left her this time. Simply, the superb
Zhang Yining was in control from start to finish.
"I played quickly in the rallies today and I tried to make her
move", explained Zhang Yining. "I tried to use to the angles as
much as possible and I think as the match progressed she became
tired."
The reigning Olympic and World champion was imperious and having
won the Women's Singles title at the Volkswagen Pro Tour Grand
Finals and now having been crowned the `Champion of Champions', she
is full of confidence for the future.
In 2007 she will defend her Women's Singles World title in
Zagreb, Croatia before seeking to retain her Olympic crown at home
in 2008. Judging by her performance in Changsha she is the
favourite to retain both titles; if she does she will reach the
firmament of table tennis legends.
(China Daily via ITTF December 21, 2006)
