China's men's table tennis world No. 2 Ma Lin has said he will
take the fight to his rivals at the Asian Games in Qatar despite
feeling the pressure of expectations.
Ma will carry China's hopes at Doha after his compatriot and
world No. 1 Wang Liqin was omitted from the squad to rest and allow
the team to blood new talent.
"This time, I'm the oldest and most experienced player in the
team. The whole team is looking at me. I cannot afford to make any
mistakes," the 26-year-old told the Beijing Youth Daily.
"The difference between this tournament and the previous one is
that the burden on me is heavier."
Ma, who paired up with Chen Qi to win Olympic doubles gold at
Athens in 2004, is named to play singles, doubles and mixed doubles
at the December 1-15 event in Doha.
A doubles bronze medal winner with Yan Sen at the 2002 Asian
Games, Ma said he was in "good form" on the back of solid training,
but could not help looking over his shoulder.?
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(Shanghai Daily November 22, 2006)