Posted by JACK LIGON on September 26, 1999 at 00:08:22:
In Reply to: Re: Waldner posted by Arthur on February 04, 1999 at 05:34:30:
: Thanks Khoi,
: What do you think of his style. How would you describe it? Is he still doing OK? Has he changed the game at all?
Waldner's style is nothing short of brilliant. The Chinese describe him as the "The Guerilla Commander". Others have described
him as "The Mozart of Table Tennis" or "The Magician. My understanding is that he spends a considerable period of time studying opponents
on video-developing winning strategies against them. Another term that aptly describes him is "chamelion". He can present
many different looks during a match or even during
a point. He has mastered every conceivable stroke and is
able to incorporate them into the course of a rally. Some say that he even experiments with strokes during the course
of a match. I watched a match between Waldner and Yan Sen of China.(Manchester, England 1997 semi-finals)
When the match first started it appeared that Yan Sen would have the upper hand. Yan Sen is penholder who loops with
both wings and he appeared to be fierce and unstoppable. He was looping and killing
shots from both wings at the angles that were unimaginable. Behind in the match, Waldner rallied back with serves and 3rd ball kills
of his own. His service returns and subsequent rallies produced a look of frustration and bewilderment on the face Yan
Sen.It's as though he destroys a players sense of rhythm. Waldner would go on win the game and match 3-0 and eventually the
World Championship.
Hope this helps.
Jack Ligon