Ma Long interviews, matches and beyond

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In preparation for the 13th China National Games, Ma Long is training with Team Beijing at the National Training Center. This year he will play men's team, singles and men's doubles (with Xu Xin of Team Shanghai).

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At his three previous National Games, he led Team Beijing to win two bronze medals in men's team events in 2009 and 2013. As the core player, he played 10 games (7 wins and 3 losses) in 7 matches in 2005, 14 games (12 wins and 2 losses) in 10 matches in 2009, and 8 games (7 wins and 1 losses) in 6 matches in 2013.

For doubles, Ma Long won men's doubles bronze with Gao Wei in 2005 and mixed doubles gold with Ding Ning in 2013.
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As for singles, in 2005 he lost to Wang Liqin by 3:4 in the semifinal and beat the defending champion Ma Lin by 4:2 in the bronze medal match. In 2009, he beat the defending champion Wang Liqin by 4:1 in the semifinal and lost to Wang Hao by 2:4 in the final. In 2013, he beat the defending champion Wang Hao by 4:2 in the semifinal and beat Fan Zhendong by 4:3 in the final. He is the only men's singles champion at China National Games who became a Grand Slam winner and the only Grand Slam winner who won medals in men's singles at China National Games.
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CCTV interviewed a 7-year-old Brazilian table tennis player Arthur Ma Long dos Santos Bueno and his father Bruno Bueno who named his son after Ma Long. "Malonguinho" (little Ma Long) watched all the matches of Ma Long during Rio Olympic Games and witnessed him winning two gold medals. He was able to meet Ma Long in person after match and he told his father that it was his happiest day. He wanted to invite Ma Long to his home but Ma Long could not go during the tournament. He has won quite a few junior champions in the state tournaments and he wants to play with Ma Long on the court one day.
Do you want to share your stories of how you get inspired by Ma Long?





 
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It has been a year since Ma Long won the Olympic champion of men's singles at Rio Olympic Games to achieve his Full Grand Slam. Let's take a look at how he collected all the possible singles titles in international (Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cup, ITTF World Tour Grand Finals), continental (Asian Games, Asian Championships, Asian Cup) and national (the China National Games, China National Championships) tournaments.
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Ma Long's Full Grand Slam
Men's Singles Champion of Olympic Games: 2016 Rio de Janeiro
Men's Singles World Champion: 2017 Düsseldorf, 2015 Suzhou
Men's Singles of World Cup: 2015 Halmstad, 2012 Liverpool
Men's Singles of ITTF World Tour Grand Finals: 2016 Doha, 2015 Lisbon, 2011 London, 2009 Macau, 2008 Macau
Men's Singles Champion of Asian Games: 2010 Guangzhou
Men's Singles Asian Champion: 2013 Busan, 2011 Macau, 2009 Lucknow
Men's Singles of Asian Cup: 2014 Wuhan, 2011 Changsha, 2009 Hangzhou, 2008 Sapporo
Men's Singles Champion of the China National Games: 2013 Anshan, Liaoning
Men's Singles China National Champion: 2011 Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu

He has not rested on his laurels and he still treats every game as if it's his first. Can he achieve even more?
 
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One year ago at Rio Olympic Games, Ma Long beat Jeoung Youngsik by 4:2 in the quarterfinal, Jun Mizutani by 4:2 in the semifinal and Zhang Jike by 4:0 in the final. He not only won the Olympic Champion of men's singles, but also achieved his Full Grand Slam. This fan-made video reviewed these matches.
Although the world was not surprised at all with Ma Long's victory, he said, "These ten days were the toughest ten days in my career." Coach Liu Guoliang knew how much pressure Ma Long put to himself and was concerned about whether he could overcome the pressure.
The real challenge came in the quarterfinal. To his surprise, Ma Long lost the first two sets to Jeoung Youngsik; he even wondered if he were in a dream. Coach Liu Guoliang then asked him to change the jersey and told him, “Don't take any chances. You have to burn your boats and fight a last stand, in order to turn the table." He came back and won the next four sets. In the semifinal Jun Mizutani also caused Ma Long some trouble after he won three 11-5 in the first three sets. Ma Long did not give the opponent more chances in the sixth set with another 11-5. No one could stop Ma Long in the final after these two dreadful fights and he finished his final step to the crown with a 4:0 sweep.
 
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In a recent interview with Table Tennis World Magazine, Ma Long talked about his preparation for the 13th China National Games. He aims for the men’s doubles gold and will do his job in men's team and singles.
He is not as troubled as during the preparation for 2017 WTTC. “At that time, the ball was new to me. The loss to a foreign player Jeong Sangeun by 1-3 in ATTC was disturbing. I was quite negative and not clear how to prepare for the WTTC. Now I feel adapted to the new ball and my mindset is back to normal.” However, the uncertainty remains because of the injuries. “I have attended training and rehabilitation for 20 days. My mindset is good but the injuries are still more than I expect.” His goal is to reduce pain from the injuries, which has not been reached half-way through the preparation.
Ma Long will play men’s team, men’s doubles and men’s singles this time. Team Beijing is in group D with the defending champion Team PLA, Team Tianjin, and Team Yunan. Ma Long is the top seed of men's singles and Ma Long/Xu Xin is the top seed of men's doubles. Coaches of Team Beijing thought he may manage his energy to arrange priorities. But Ma Long said, “It’s my decision to play these three events. I will not make one prioritized; if I really wanted to focus on one, I would not play others.” Men’s doubles with Xu Xin from Team Shanghai is Ma Long’s best chance for a gold medal. “My goal is very clear - men’s doubles champion.” He said jokely that he will do his best and will not let Xu Xin down.
“When playing in the final stage of China National Games, it is not about techniques but about spirits.” This is what Ma Long learned from his past National Games. “Fatigue and injuries are part of the game. There is no tournament that allows you to get well-prepared, injury-free, sound sleep and comforts. I have not experienced such a tournament through all these years.” Therefore Ma Long spent a lot of time building up physical strengths in addition to practice techniques and tactics. “My muscle conditions are good in the first 20 days of the preparation. As I am no longer young, I need to store up energy since the the National Games and the new ball are both energy demanding.”
Team Beijing puts hopes on Ma Long’s three events while he does not give himself too much pressure. “Other players from the national team are also the core and hopes of their provincial teams.” Unlike aiming for gold in men’s doubles, Ma Long wants to be himself and do his job in men’s team and singles. "I will focus on the upcoming match. As I proceed, I will get a stronger will for the champion. But I don’t prepare for the champion at the beginning. My form usually gets better and better one match after another; that’s my lesson.”
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To be frank, injuries are unavoidable for athletes. To withdraw a tournament or not depends on how severe the injuries are and how important the tournament is. Ma Long withdrew 2017 WTTC trials this March due to waist injuries, although he kept playing the last match against Zhou Kai with huge pain (revealed in photos taken during the towel breaks) since he already stood on the court. It is wise for him to drop the rest of the trials to protect himself as his performance in the first stage should book him a ticket to Dusseldorf. However, no player will easily quit WTTC and Olympic Games unless the injuries are out of control. The China National Games are really important for Chinese players, not because it is a tough and competitive tournament, but because it is a chance for them to "pay back" their provincial teams - like Chinese players win glory for the nation in Olympic Games.

In addition to waist injuries which were not fully recovered before ATTC, Ma Long also got injections to reduce the impact of the injuries on hip joint, elbow and wrist right before 2017 WTTC. He twisted his left ankle during 2017 WTTC (in R32), on which ankle he had hairline fracture since 2010. That's why he was not satisfied with the pace of rehabilitation as there are quite a few injuries. Team Beijing has their specialized supporting teams and Ma Long's coaches and himself are very careful about his health and fitness; that makes us believe that the injuries are under control, though hard to get rid of completely. Ma Long is seen wearing compression tees/shorts during training to protect muscles. We wish he will get better and feel better soon.

What is the point of putting so much physical pressure by making him play in a such an event? Why not let him rest and heal his body so that he will have better performance in the long term?
 
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Coach Zhang Lei just revealed that Ma Long got an injection on his wrist last week due to injury relapse. He confirmed that Team Beijing is doing their best for Ma Long's treatments and rehabilitation. They will also try to bring physical therapists to the 13th China National Games.
We know it is mission impossible for a pro athlete like Ma Long to be injury-free while let's wish him a quick recovery! Challenges and difficulties are inevitable, but Ma Long is determined and positive. Shoot for goal!
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The 13th China National Games are around the corner. As usual, we have made new banner flag, banners and cheering sticks to root for Ma Long in the stadium. Our new banner flag says, "The horse arrives at Tianjin full of fighting spirits; the dragon leads Team Beijing strong-willed."
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In addition, we have prepared souvenirs (with DHS Sports sponsoring) for fans who will travel to Tianjin from all over the country or even aboard to support Ma Long.
Ma Long's Full Grand Slam stationery collection:
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Souvenir pin
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Drawstring bag
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Besides us, there are more than a dozen fans clubs and individuals who have made great efforts to provide banners and flags in support of Ma Long, and souvenirs from key chains, magnet stickers, pins, postcards, wristband, hand fans, scarves, hair accessories and so on, you name it! It feels like a carnival for Ma Long fans, not only because we have not seen Ma Long playing since China Open in June, but also because the 13th China National Games might be the last China National Games that Ma Long would attend (according to Coach Zhang Lei). Ma Long seems determined to work for Tokyo Olympic Games, retirement not in his vocabulary. However, in the press conference after he withdrew the Marvellous 12 Trials, he once said, "Since I choose to keep playing, I want to extend my athlete career. I cherish every match that I play and try to play well. I cannot tell when I will get retired and I don't want to have regrets. I will motivate myself when I feel pressure or face difficulties during training and tournaments." We don't want regrets either and we will go to the arena and root for Ma Long if possible!
 
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Team Beijing arrived in Tianjin on Aug 25th and started training. Ma Long told CCTV that he will focus on team event which starts first and do his best. He wants to play great games that are worth watching for the spectators.
12 years ago, Ma Long was one of the rising stars of the 10th National Games, the biggest national sports events before 2008 Olympic Games. He demonstrated his strength and potential with two bronze medals in men's singles and men's doubles.
On Facebook page and twitter account of Xinhua Sports, they did live on Ma Long training on Aug 26th. Ma Long practiced with Yan An. Check out his attempt of hand switch shot around 32:30.
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After training on Aug 26, Ma Long told Xinhua Sports his form is normal and will adjust his mindset during the upcoming matches. He also feels great pressure, even greater than that of international tournaments, partially because of the huge public attention to the China National Games.

Xinhua Sports also analyzed why the National Games are tougher than Rio for Ma Long.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-08/27/c_136558954.htm
He is at his technical and mental peak but not at his physical best at moment. Coach Zhang Lei confirmed last week that injuries are troubling Ma, who's competing here on behalf of the Beijing delegation. "The old injuries to his hip joint and wrist are getting worse," said Zhang. "The old wound reoccurred in his training last week and he had to take cortisone injections and take some time off of training for recovery."
A busy schedule will also add weight to Ma's injuries as the world No. 1 will play in three events (singles, doubles and team) in the National Games. "If he goes deep in each event, he has to play two to three matches each day and face stiff challenges physically," added Zhang.
Ma will be up against more capable opponents in the National Games than he faced in the Olympics, since most of the world top ranked players are from China. World No. 2 and World Championship runner-up Fan Zhendong, is Ma's archrival in the National Games -- two had to go through seven sets to decide this year's World Championship title and they were also the gold match opponents four years ago in last edition of the National Games.
Coach Wang Hao believes the National Games will be rough not just for Ma, but for all the leading players. "Ma is a master in skill and experience, so he was able to beat Fan in the World Championship final in a seven-set showdown, but that defeat is helping Fan to build up his own experience in handling big events and key moments. That's just what Fan needs the most in order to start his era of dominance in the sport," said Wang, who is coaching Fan as he represents the PLA delegation. In addition, Xu Xin and Zhang Jike are another two players among world top five to play the National Games. "Chinese players know each other so well both in terms of skill and temperament, so it makes the job easier to find a way to defeat the star players," added Wang.
Ma downplayed the issue of his physical condition on Sunday, but refused to rule it out. "On the whole, I'm feeling all right and not quite worried about injury troubles, but I have to say it's quite tough to play in the National Games and you'll have to play your best in every match in order to avoid early elimination."

Ma Long attended the opening ceremony of the 13th China National Games on Aug 27 evening.
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It is a little funny that the photo of his name badge was taken 12 years ago when he attended the National Games for the first time.
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Team Beijing's journey in team event of the 13th National Games ends. In the group stage, they beat Team Yunan by 3:0 and Team Tianjin by 3:1, and lost to Team PLA by 1:3. As #2 of group D, they faced #1 of group B Team Guangdong in the quarterfinal, and suffered a 1:3 defeat.
As the core player, Ma Long played 7 games (5 wins and 2 losses) in 4 matches. He beat Li Zhuoyang of Team Yunan by 3:0 (11-4, 11-5, 11-5), Zhou Yu of Team PLA by 3:0 (11-4, 12-10, 11-4), Yu Xinhang of Team Tianjin by 3:0 (11-5, 11-8, 11-3), Ma Te of Team Tianjin by 3:0 (11-3, 11-4, 11-5) and Zhou Qihao to whom he lost in the Marvellous 12 Trials early this year, by 3:0 (11-8, 11-9, 11-9). He lost to Fan Zhendong of Team PLA by 0:3 (5-11, 4-11, 5-11) and Lin Gaoyuan of Team Guangdong by 2:3 (9-11, 12-10, 11-5, 12-14, 4-11).
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Coach Qin Zhijian commented that Ma Long's injuries slightly affected his speed and power after his defeat to Fan Zhendong in the group stage. However, Ma Long did not want to talk about his injuries in the post-match interview after the quarterfinal. He said he did not deal well with the crucial points and he was not as determined as Lin Gaoyuan in the deciding set; Team Beijing lost because Team Guangdong performed better as a whole. Lin Gaoyuan revealed that as Ma Long's teammate in the Super League and training partner during the preparation for the National Games, he knew well about Ma Long's strength and weakness; he executed good tactics today.
Ma Long can take a three-day break and will play R16 of men's singles and men's doubles on Sep 3rd.
We will upload his 6 matches broadcast by CCTV and post-match interviews shortly.
BTW, On Zhang Chao's wedding on Sep 29th 2016, Ma Long, Yan An, Lin Gaoyuan and Zhou Qihao are among his groomsmen. Look at their funny faces watching the happy couple!
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I didn't know Ma Long was suffering from old injuries. I hope that it doesn't get worse so he can play for a long time.
 
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In fans meeting of China Open this June, Ma Long answered his fan's question about next goals. "Next, it is most important to stay healthy. That's my first goal. My second goal is to keep my athlete career as long as possible." We all wish he can fulfill his goals!


But back to reality: in 2016, only one cortisone injection was reported on his wrist, before the Asia Olympic Qualification Tournament in April. So far in 2017, four injections were reported, one on hip joint, one on elbow and two on wrist.
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An injection on May 19 before he headed for WTTC. Ma Long was watching comedy show to distract himself from the pain.


Getting old, tight competition schedules and ball change (ABS balls gave Ma Long some hard time and 729 seamless ball is used for the current National Games) are inevitable. C'est la vie. We hope he can find solutions and balance soon.


I didn't know Ma Long was suffering from old injuries. I hope that it doesn't get worse so he can play for a long time.
 
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