The 2020 China Table Tennis Team Olympic Games is the first public table tennis tournament under the normalization of epidemic prevention and control. After 14 days of fierce competition, the curtain came to an end in Lingshui, Hainan on the evening of the 21st. This simulation completely simulates the schedule of the Tokyo Olympics, and the participating players also determine the seed rankings based on the fourth world ranking in 2020. This is undoubtedly a kind of enjoyment for the majority of table tennis fans, not only can witness the growth of the teenagers, but also see the wonderful performance of Chinese men's table tennis soul figures such as Ma Long and Xu Xin.
As the captain of the Chinese men's table tennis team, Ma Long dropped out of the singles game after accidentally spraining his neck in a training session a few days after the start of the simulation. In recent years, injuries have often "invaded" Malone. In 2019, he also underwent a knee surgery. So far, there is still an obvious scar on his knee. The physical condition of the "Dragons" worries the fans, but Malone said that he is recovering very well. He has completed his set goals time and time again with a "full energy" mental state. "For me, it is still very good to control the injury. The overall physical condition, especially the feeling of the legs, is much better than last year. I feel that this year's condition is better than the previous two years." Ma Long said.
The core goal of hosting this simulation game is to conduct a comprehensive exercise for the Tokyo Olympics. The 31-year-old Malone is currently ranked third in the world in men's singles. The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics has brought him new challenges. Ma Long said frankly that the Olympic Games coexist with pressure for him, "If I can go to the Tokyo Olympic Games, it will definitely be an honor for me, and there will be pressure. In fact, I don’t think about age too much. Because in competitive sports I think everyone pays more attention to your ability and results, so now I care more about whether my ability can meet such a requirement. I participated in the two Olympic Games before, and each of them brought new goals. , It mainly depends on where you are."
Table tennis, as a traditional Chinese superiority project, continues to emerge with potential new stars. Many young players regard Ma Long as their idol. As the captain, Malone never fails to lead by example. It is his responsibility to sum up his experience and give pertinent advice to the young players. As he said to the young players, "cherish the great age, cherish the present stage, and in the future, playing in this excellent team may be one of the most glorious and precious memories of your life."
In the hearts of fans, Malone is a legendary existence. He entered the national team at the age of 15 and began a 17-year national career. In 2012, he won his first singles championship in three major tournaments and his first men's singles championship at the World Championships in 2015. This allowed Malone to establish his position as the world's number one in men's singles in table tennis. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, Malone defeated Zhang Jike and won the men's singles championship in the Olympic Games. Afterwards, in 2017 and 2019, Malone achieved a rare three consecutive World Championships.
Up to now, Malone has won 24 world championships, ranking first in the world with Wang Nan. If at the Tokyo Olympics next year, Ma Long can win the championship again, he will become the player who won the most world championships in the history of world table tennis and the well-deserved first person in the history of table tennis. Although he has waited for honors, Ma Long still has higher expectations, "For my entire career, I have been considered very successful now. But if I continue to play now, there will be new goals. In the future, whether or not I can play again. After winning the world championship, I hope I will make a fortune in the field of table tennis." Text / reporter Zhou Xueshuai