Today, I’m going to say it: Ma Long is the greatest table tennis player of all time. The current Olympic and World Champion recently showcased his skills at the first World Table Tennis event in Macau, a new flagship international tournament by the ITTF. I had the privilege of commentating at the event and witnessing Ma Long's brilliance firsthand. Here’s why I believe he’s the perfect table tennis player.
Key Takeaways
- Ma Long's forehand is incredibly powerful and consistent.
- His tactical awareness keeps him one step ahead of his opponents.
- Ma Long's backhand is stable and reliable, even under pressure.
- His short game, especially his return of serve, is highly deceptive.
- The World Table Tennis event introduced exciting new formats and prize structures.
The Forehand Mastery
Ma Long’s forehand is nothing short of insane. His shot efficiency, consistency, and timing are unparalleled. He manages to be relaxed yet injects immense power into his shots. When his forehand gets going, there’s simply no stopping him. His weight transfer and ability to counter topspin are phenomenal. In his match against Xu Xin, Ma Long’s forehand counters were relentless, always keeping him one step ahead.
Tactical Genius
Ma Long’s tactical awareness is another reason for his dominance. He always seems to know exactly where he needs to be, setting up his shots perfectly. This was evident in the top four seeded battle, a new concept by World Table Tennis where the top four seeds play off to decide their quarterfinal opponents. Ma Long’s ability to pick his next opponent strategically adds another layer to his game.
Backhand Brilliance
When under attack, especially on the backhand side, Ma Long’s control is impeccable. His backhand is so safe and reliable that he rarely makes mistakes. He can block, find angles, and counter with ease. This stability is a key feature that makes him the greatest of all time.
The Short Game
One of the most impressive aspects of Ma Long’s game is his short game, particularly his return of serve. It’s so deceptive that it leaves his opponents struggling to set themselves up. In the semi-final against Lin Gaoyuan, Ma Long’s returns were a masterclass in deception and precision.
The Final Showdown
In the final of the World Table Tennis Macau event, Ma Long faced one of China’s best young stars, Wang Chuqin. Despite Wang’s dominance throughout the tournament, Ma Long shifted into another gear, showcasing his full array of shots. His creativity, especially with his chop block and forehand combo, was on full display, proving why he’s always one step ahead of his opponents.
World Table Tennis: A New Era
World Table Tennis introduced several exciting new concepts, such as the best of nine games in the final and shorter games in the top four seed battles. The prize money on offer was fantastic, adding a modern and jazzy feel to the event. The side camera angle also sparked a lot of discussions, with many appreciating the depth it added to the rallies.
Looking Ahead
With many more exciting events planned for 2021, World Table Tennis is set to revolutionize the sport. Ma Long is also aiming to become the first man to win two Olympic singles golds. Can he do it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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