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Do you guys have streaks where you are just not playing...
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Do you guys have streaks where you are just not playing...
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Interview with Michael (Dima's Dad) Ovcharov and Dimitrij Ovtcharov translated into English for you guys
Photo by: EPA
I hope you enjoy this interview from all over the World whether your using your phone, ipad or laptop .
Enjoy
FanTTW – Dear all, audience, I have the privilege of being able to interview the father, Michael, of an ever rising star of World table tennis, Dima Ovcharov….. Michael and Dimitri – we are very pleased to once again see and meet you here in Russia, and to get the pleasure of watching the game of a star of World Table Tennis (Dima Ovcharov).
Fanttw: I would like to start our interview today with a question first of all to Michael …M, when, and under what circumstances did you emigrate to Germany?
M: in 1992 – it was a couple of years after the Chernobyl disaster – and I wanted to get my family as far away from the disaster zone as possible, not necessarily to Germany, but anywhere I could at the time. There was no plan to go to Germany especially, just wanted to leave as quickly as we could, it just turns out we ended up in Germany.
Fanttw: Could you tell us a bit about your family, and how you live – who are the members of your family?
M: Smiles – there are not a lot of us – just three)) our family comprises of me, my wife Tatiana, (Dimas Mom) and Dima…. We live in a small town called Hamlin, about 50km from Hanover. I work as a physiotherapist in a large clinic, Dimas Mom is a teacher in a local school – and Dima, well, he is a professional table tennis player (smiles).
Fanttw: I understand that you all live together, as a small family, is that correct?
M: Dima now lives shall we say 50/50 – he has an apartment in Dusseldorf because he plays in Dusseldorf but he is often at home with us.
Fanttw: Dimitrij, I have been observing you for quite a long time – and you give the impression of a very serious young man – is this really the case, or do you, after all, have a lighter, more fun loving side to you, for some fun, jokes, relaxation? (Observation: Dima listens intensly, hands clasped in front of him – the guy really is a very serious chap)
Dima: well, first in line of course I do everything for TT – as it always comes first – TT is my life, its my profession, I train a lot and put a lot into this sport. Of course, there are times when I get a bit of time and may go into town and have a walk about and a bit of fun with friends occasionally.
Fanttw: Michael, what do you think, what in your opinion is the character of your son?
M: He is very professional and takes TT very professionally – that is indeed true and is the case – but in regular life, outside of TT shall we say, I would have liked him to be a bit more organised and disciplined (laughs) but then, perhaps, my desire for this is not too dissimilar from other Dads)))
Fanttw: Dimitri – how significant is the role of your Father in becoming a star of World table tennis?
Dima: I would say that everything I know, and everything I have achieved, I attribute to my Dad. I am very grateful to him. If not for him, I probably would not play tt, when I was smaller, tt did not really interest me that much, I wanted to play probably football or some other form of sport, but my Dad told me stories about how great a sport table tennis is and got me playing and even required that I play when I was about 6years old and to this day he is still my trainer and coach and so here I am….( Observation outside the interview: for those who don’t know, Dima’s Dad was a very high level and decent tt player himself)
M: Just a quick observation here – indeed I did tell Dima those stories – but they were tallish ‘tales’ most of the time! (laughs heartily)
Fanttw: Our audience would definitely be very interested in getting to know you much more closely Dimitrij – so tell us please, what is your current playing inventory (blade/rubbers)?
Dima: I play with the Ovcharov Senso Carbon blade – which was developed by Donic for the post speed glue era, and my rubbers are Coppa Speed 2.1 mm, also released for the post speed glue era. I used to play with regular Coppa, with speed glue for additional speed, so after the ban, Donic produced the Coppa Speed. My blade handle is straight (not flared). Before this, I used to use the Waldner Senso Carbon, which is slightly slower than my current blade, and the regular Coppa sheets.
Fanttw: Understood …. So does the ITTF check equipment (for speed glue and other banned substances such as booster etc) at international and pro tournaments?
Dima: Unfortunately, I have to say at this point that the checks in this area are very weak. Up to the final (this tournament in Russia and frequently in others) we don’t get checked a single time – and I am sure there are quite a few players boosting or using illegal glues. I believe that checks should definitely be more stringent. The ITTF stated that equipment would be checked before every game, and they should do this.
Fanttw: Dima, do you think that you were able to adapt to the new requirements (speed glue ban and others)and changes from the ITTF?
Dima: Well, other people had the opportunity to try the new equipment and experience the changes longer than I did – I remember playing the Olympics with the old setup, and then my first tournament was only five days after the new rules – so it was not very easy at first.
Fanttw: So what players do you think will benefit from the new rules and requirements?
Dima: I think in the grand scale, the players who were top and stronger before the ban will remain top and strong now, and the weaker players will remain where they were – everything will really stay the same.
Fanttw: Dima, are you a superstitious person (Dima turns to his Dad, as he did not understand the word ‘superstitious’ in Russian)))
Dima: hmmm… yes, there are a few things – but only in (or during) the match
Fanttw: How do you see TT in say 5 years time? What changes will happen? Speed, strength, power/spin?
Dima: Well, with the new changes, the game over the next 2 years will not be quite as fast is it could have been as everyone gets used to the new equipment – but I think over the next 5years the sport will be back to pre glue ban speeds , power and spin levels.
Fanttw: Dimitrij, it is said your playing style is very similar to the playing style of your Father, Michael – I don’t know – Michael, is this the case, or not?)
M: Comprehensively (maybe he is being modest here) no it is not smiles – maybe there is some similarity in the serves, but that is about it…..smiles. I absolutely had no desire to make Dima play in my style or in a similar way… I don’t think I was that good
Fanttw: Dima, we watch with great interest your growth and growing stability in the game – in your opinion, are you ready to aim for the next level, and go for example the top 5 in the world?
Dima: Well I am currently no 14 (this interview was done in Moscow) and my next goal is to make it into the top 10. Currently there are 5 chinese, 3 koreans together with Boll and Samsonov – all very strong players. I will aim for the top 10 and then I will be very happy – and at that point I will put some new goals in place.
Fanttw: Dima, what do you think you are lacking/missing to achieve this, and what do you think you need to do to aquire them?
Dima: I think I already have what is required, I am still only 20, I just need to continue to work hard, and with time it will happen.
Fanttw: This question – how would you explain the success of the Chinese and the Chinese table tennis? Some have suggested/cited favourable genetics, perhaps certain upbringing and cultural traits as possible reasons for this – what are your thoughts?
Dima: I really doubt that this has anything to do with genetics – I just think that in China this is the no 1 sport – in China some kids don’t go to school, they don’t do anything at all – all they do is play table tennis – from the age of 5 boys and girls are taught to play table tennis. And from that age, they train extremely hard, very long, with the best coaches. This is the reason why they are better, because they start sooner, and train harder and longer.
Fanttw: Its not a secret that the question of doping – not just in TT, but in all forms of sport – everyday new materials are created to try and avoid detection and raise performance levels. What it be fair to say that top table tennis – i.e. the top 30 players in the world, are drug free?
Dima:hmm, I am sure that the top players in the world are clean. Our sport has always been a clean and fair one and I think it has remained that way.
Fanttw: Do you think that this question will not raise its head in our sport in the future?
Dima: I wish and hope that will be the case.
Fanttw: Dima, there are players that receive pleasure from training, perhaps even more than competing – can you tell me, what is your attitude to training, and what aspects do you focus on?
Dima: Training is always different, depending on what competition. I always train and begin specific preparation at least six weeks prior to major tournaments. Training is heavy and hard work, and doesn’t give me any specific ‘high’ or pleasure, it just has to be done.
Fanttw: Do you spend a lot of time practising serves?
Dima: Yes, actually I train and practice my serves a lot more than other players – my serves are quite effective –and if I stop practicing them hard and regularly it will impact the quality and effectiveness of my serves. I practice serves at least half an hour every day.
Fanttw: how significant are serves in modern top level TT?
Dima: some people have stronger serves, some have weaker serves, in any case, with good serves you are guaranteed 1 or 2 easy points in per game, its easier to take control of and open rallies with good serves. It’s a very important moment in table tennis.
Fanttw: Dima, a few perhaps more personal questions if you will – we would be interested in knowing your preferences in some areas – how many hours in general, do you sleep per day?
D: It doesn’t always work out, but 8 hours is normally what I aim for. I think 8hrs is important for a sports person.
Fttw: Do you like beer?
D: I don’t really like beer – and I very rarely if ever drink alcohol.
Fttw: Michael, does Dima ever drink any spirits, or something stronger – M (Dima’s Dad): nope – like I said before, he is highly professional and doesn’t drink really.
Fttw: tell us please, about your eating habits - is it determined by diet, or do you eat based on availability and what you want?
Dima: Sometimes I do watch my food, I don’t eat a lot of sweets and fatty foods. But sometimes I do eat the odd bit of unhealthy food). My favourite meal/food is meat – I do love a medium done steak with potatoes.
Fanttw: can you cook yourself, and are you capable of frying/cooking anything other than an egg?))
Dima: I do cook, I very often do my own breakfast and actually I do very good breakfast… I can also do a pasta or pizza, but to be honest, I very rarely cook anything. I prefer to go to town or the town centre and eat out or buy something.
Fttw: Recently we were interested to find that Torben Wosik for instance is very into astronomy – what are your interests outside of TT?
Dima: I like billiards, also a big fan of action movies – a wide range of normal activities, but nothing that specific)) I go to the cinema sometimes or just watch films on my big screen tv at home. My favourit actor is Sylvester Stallone, and actress is Jessica Alba. In terms of music, I don’t have any preference of any particular style, I listen to everything. I do prefer something calmer and soothing though.
Fttw: do you read much?
Dima: nope – I never read much – I hate reading)
Fttw: what web pages online do you visit?
Dima: mainly sports sites, but also the news sites in Germany, current events etc. I am not much into politics.
Fttw: Do you feel there is much of a difference in the mentality of Russia vs Germany?
Dima: yes there is – in Germany, everything has to be done precisely, and on time – whereas in Russia, if something is not done today, there is always tomorrow) and yes, I do feel more German than Russian, as I left when I was only two, I speak Russian,I know I was born there, but I feel myself German as I have lived and grown up in Germany.
Fttw: Where do you think the girls are prettier – Russia or Germany? Russia, definitely!)
Fttw: Have you got a girlfriend? And what is her name?
Dima: yes, I do, but I would rather not say her name….) refused to say, even when pressed.)
Fttw: and do you find any female tt players attractive, and who?
Dima: (Laughs) yes, of course, but I would rather not name any names or comment, as I don’t want to cause any controversy, rumours etc. or have any female players come up to me and say – you, Dima said, this, and that…)))
Fttw: What car do you drive? An audi TT sport.
Fttw: do you feel that you are sacrificing your most valuable years to the sport?
Dima: the best years are only just starting for me – TT players tend to achieve the most from roughly about 25 to the age of 30 – so I am looking forward to it as my best years are definitely ahead of me.
I want to put the next 10 years fully into TT.
Fttw: if not TT, what would you have wanted to do in life, and what if any, is your motto, or rule, in life?
Dima: well I love sports, so it would definitely would have been something to do with sports – maybe Lawn tennis perhaps – I don’t know. I don’t have a motto, and don’t have any rules as such hehehe….
Fttw: and finally, what advice would you give to your fans and young tt players out there?
Dima: The most important thing – if you are going for training, give your all, but if you feel bad or not right, and intend to just turn up to put a tick in the box – then its better to stay home.
Fttw: Michael – what would you add to this?
M: patience, patience.
I hope you enjoyed my translated interview with Dimitrij Ovtcharov and his father everyone. Please leave your comments below.
FanTTW, please be sure to subscribe to me on youtube
Thanks!
Thank you! I hope that everyone found this interview interesting – and I wish you the very best of luck and success in the future!!!
Photo by: EPA
I hope you enjoy this interview from all over the World whether your using your phone, ipad or laptop .
Enjoy
FanTTW – Dear all, audience, I have the privilege of being able to interview the father, Michael, of an ever rising star of World table tennis, Dima Ovcharov….. Michael and Dimitri – we are very pleased to once again see and meet you here in Russia, and to get the pleasure of watching the game of a star of World Table Tennis (Dima Ovcharov).
Fanttw: I would like to start our interview today with a question first of all to Michael …M, when, and under what circumstances did you emigrate to Germany?
M: in 1992 – it was a couple of years after the Chernobyl disaster – and I wanted to get my family as far away from the disaster zone as possible, not necessarily to Germany, but anywhere I could at the time. There was no plan to go to Germany especially, just wanted to leave as quickly as we could, it just turns out we ended up in Germany.
Fanttw: Could you tell us a bit about your family, and how you live – who are the members of your family?
M: Smiles – there are not a lot of us – just three)) our family comprises of me, my wife Tatiana, (Dimas Mom) and Dima…. We live in a small town called Hamlin, about 50km from Hanover. I work as a physiotherapist in a large clinic, Dimas Mom is a teacher in a local school – and Dima, well, he is a professional table tennis player (smiles).
Fanttw: I understand that you all live together, as a small family, is that correct?
M: Dima now lives shall we say 50/50 – he has an apartment in Dusseldorf because he plays in Dusseldorf but he is often at home with us.
Fanttw: Dimitrij, I have been observing you for quite a long time – and you give the impression of a very serious young man – is this really the case, or do you, after all, have a lighter, more fun loving side to you, for some fun, jokes, relaxation? (Observation: Dima listens intensly, hands clasped in front of him – the guy really is a very serious chap)
Dima: well, first in line of course I do everything for TT – as it always comes first – TT is my life, its my profession, I train a lot and put a lot into this sport. Of course, there are times when I get a bit of time and may go into town and have a walk about and a bit of fun with friends occasionally.
Fanttw: Michael, what do you think, what in your opinion is the character of your son?
M: He is very professional and takes TT very professionally – that is indeed true and is the case – but in regular life, outside of TT shall we say, I would have liked him to be a bit more organised and disciplined (laughs) but then, perhaps, my desire for this is not too dissimilar from other Dads)))
Fanttw: Dimitri – how significant is the role of your Father in becoming a star of World table tennis?
Dima: I would say that everything I know, and everything I have achieved, I attribute to my Dad. I am very grateful to him. If not for him, I probably would not play tt, when I was smaller, tt did not really interest me that much, I wanted to play probably football or some other form of sport, but my Dad told me stories about how great a sport table tennis is and got me playing and even required that I play when I was about 6years old and to this day he is still my trainer and coach and so here I am….( Observation outside the interview: for those who don’t know, Dima’s Dad was a very high level and decent tt player himself)
M: Just a quick observation here – indeed I did tell Dima those stories – but they were tallish ‘tales’ most of the time! (laughs heartily)
Fanttw: Our audience would definitely be very interested in getting to know you much more closely Dimitrij – so tell us please, what is your current playing inventory (blade/rubbers)?
Dima: I play with the Ovcharov Senso Carbon blade – which was developed by Donic for the post speed glue era, and my rubbers are Coppa Speed 2.1 mm, also released for the post speed glue era. I used to play with regular Coppa, with speed glue for additional speed, so after the ban, Donic produced the Coppa Speed. My blade handle is straight (not flared). Before this, I used to use the Waldner Senso Carbon, which is slightly slower than my current blade, and the regular Coppa sheets.
Fanttw: Understood …. So does the ITTF check equipment (for speed glue and other banned substances such as booster etc) at international and pro tournaments?
Dima: Unfortunately, I have to say at this point that the checks in this area are very weak. Up to the final (this tournament in Russia and frequently in others) we don’t get checked a single time – and I am sure there are quite a few players boosting or using illegal glues. I believe that checks should definitely be more stringent. The ITTF stated that equipment would be checked before every game, and they should do this.
Fanttw: Dima, do you think that you were able to adapt to the new requirements (speed glue ban and others)and changes from the ITTF?
Dima: Well, other people had the opportunity to try the new equipment and experience the changes longer than I did – I remember playing the Olympics with the old setup, and then my first tournament was only five days after the new rules – so it was not very easy at first.
Fanttw: So what players do you think will benefit from the new rules and requirements?
Dima: I think in the grand scale, the players who were top and stronger before the ban will remain top and strong now, and the weaker players will remain where they were – everything will really stay the same.
Fanttw: Dima, are you a superstitious person (Dima turns to his Dad, as he did not understand the word ‘superstitious’ in Russian)))
Dima: hmmm… yes, there are a few things – but only in (or during) the match
Fanttw: How do you see TT in say 5 years time? What changes will happen? Speed, strength, power/spin?
Dima: Well, with the new changes, the game over the next 2 years will not be quite as fast is it could have been as everyone gets used to the new equipment – but I think over the next 5years the sport will be back to pre glue ban speeds , power and spin levels.
Fanttw: Dimitrij, it is said your playing style is very similar to the playing style of your Father, Michael – I don’t know – Michael, is this the case, or not?)
M: Comprehensively (maybe he is being modest here) no it is not smiles – maybe there is some similarity in the serves, but that is about it…..smiles. I absolutely had no desire to make Dima play in my style or in a similar way… I don’t think I was that good
Fanttw: Dima, we watch with great interest your growth and growing stability in the game – in your opinion, are you ready to aim for the next level, and go for example the top 5 in the world?
Dima: Well I am currently no 14 (this interview was done in Moscow) and my next goal is to make it into the top 10. Currently there are 5 chinese, 3 koreans together with Boll and Samsonov – all very strong players. I will aim for the top 10 and then I will be very happy – and at that point I will put some new goals in place.
Fanttw: Dima, what do you think you are lacking/missing to achieve this, and what do you think you need to do to aquire them?
Dima: I think I already have what is required, I am still only 20, I just need to continue to work hard, and with time it will happen.
Fanttw: This question – how would you explain the success of the Chinese and the Chinese table tennis? Some have suggested/cited favourable genetics, perhaps certain upbringing and cultural traits as possible reasons for this – what are your thoughts?
Dima: I really doubt that this has anything to do with genetics – I just think that in China this is the no 1 sport – in China some kids don’t go to school, they don’t do anything at all – all they do is play table tennis – from the age of 5 boys and girls are taught to play table tennis. And from that age, they train extremely hard, very long, with the best coaches. This is the reason why they are better, because they start sooner, and train harder and longer.
Fanttw: Its not a secret that the question of doping – not just in TT, but in all forms of sport – everyday new materials are created to try and avoid detection and raise performance levels. What it be fair to say that top table tennis – i.e. the top 30 players in the world, are drug free?
Dima:hmm, I am sure that the top players in the world are clean. Our sport has always been a clean and fair one and I think it has remained that way.
Fanttw: Do you think that this question will not raise its head in our sport in the future?
Dima: I wish and hope that will be the case.
Fanttw: Dima, there are players that receive pleasure from training, perhaps even more than competing – can you tell me, what is your attitude to training, and what aspects do you focus on?
Dima: Training is always different, depending on what competition. I always train and begin specific preparation at least six weeks prior to major tournaments. Training is heavy and hard work, and doesn’t give me any specific ‘high’ or pleasure, it just has to be done.
Fanttw: Do you spend a lot of time practising serves?
Dima: Yes, actually I train and practice my serves a lot more than other players – my serves are quite effective –and if I stop practicing them hard and regularly it will impact the quality and effectiveness of my serves. I practice serves at least half an hour every day.
Fanttw: how significant are serves in modern top level TT?
Dima: some people have stronger serves, some have weaker serves, in any case, with good serves you are guaranteed 1 or 2 easy points in per game, its easier to take control of and open rallies with good serves. It’s a very important moment in table tennis.
Fanttw: Dima, a few perhaps more personal questions if you will – we would be interested in knowing your preferences in some areas – how many hours in general, do you sleep per day?
D: It doesn’t always work out, but 8 hours is normally what I aim for. I think 8hrs is important for a sports person.
Fttw: Do you like beer?
D: I don’t really like beer – and I very rarely if ever drink alcohol.
Fttw: Michael, does Dima ever drink any spirits, or something stronger – M (Dima’s Dad): nope – like I said before, he is highly professional and doesn’t drink really.
Fttw: tell us please, about your eating habits - is it determined by diet, or do you eat based on availability and what you want?
Dima: Sometimes I do watch my food, I don’t eat a lot of sweets and fatty foods. But sometimes I do eat the odd bit of unhealthy food). My favourite meal/food is meat – I do love a medium done steak with potatoes.
Fanttw: can you cook yourself, and are you capable of frying/cooking anything other than an egg?))
Dima: I do cook, I very often do my own breakfast and actually I do very good breakfast… I can also do a pasta or pizza, but to be honest, I very rarely cook anything. I prefer to go to town or the town centre and eat out or buy something.
Fttw: Recently we were interested to find that Torben Wosik for instance is very into astronomy – what are your interests outside of TT?
Dima: I like billiards, also a big fan of action movies – a wide range of normal activities, but nothing that specific)) I go to the cinema sometimes or just watch films on my big screen tv at home. My favourit actor is Sylvester Stallone, and actress is Jessica Alba. In terms of music, I don’t have any preference of any particular style, I listen to everything. I do prefer something calmer and soothing though.
Fttw: do you read much?
Dima: nope – I never read much – I hate reading)
Fttw: what web pages online do you visit?
Dima: mainly sports sites, but also the news sites in Germany, current events etc. I am not much into politics.
Fttw: Do you feel there is much of a difference in the mentality of Russia vs Germany?
Dima: yes there is – in Germany, everything has to be done precisely, and on time – whereas in Russia, if something is not done today, there is always tomorrow) and yes, I do feel more German than Russian, as I left when I was only two, I speak Russian,I know I was born there, but I feel myself German as I have lived and grown up in Germany.
Fttw: Where do you think the girls are prettier – Russia or Germany? Russia, definitely!)
Fttw: Have you got a girlfriend? And what is her name?
Dima: yes, I do, but I would rather not say her name….) refused to say, even when pressed.)
Fttw: and do you find any female tt players attractive, and who?
Dima: (Laughs) yes, of course, but I would rather not name any names or comment, as I don’t want to cause any controversy, rumours etc. or have any female players come up to me and say – you, Dima said, this, and that…)))
Fttw: What car do you drive? An audi TT sport.
Fttw: do you feel that you are sacrificing your most valuable years to the sport?
Dima: the best years are only just starting for me – TT players tend to achieve the most from roughly about 25 to the age of 30 – so I am looking forward to it as my best years are definitely ahead of me.
I want to put the next 10 years fully into TT.
Fttw: if not TT, what would you have wanted to do in life, and what if any, is your motto, or rule, in life?
Dima: well I love sports, so it would definitely would have been something to do with sports – maybe Lawn tennis perhaps – I don’t know. I don’t have a motto, and don’t have any rules as such hehehe….
Fttw: and finally, what advice would you give to your fans and young tt players out there?
Dima: The most important thing – if you are going for training, give your all, but if you feel bad or not right, and intend to just turn up to put a tick in the box – then its better to stay home.
Fttw: Michael – what would you add to this?
M: patience, patience.
I hope you enjoyed my translated interview with Dimitrij Ovtcharov and his father everyone. Please leave your comments below.
FanTTW, please be sure to subscribe to me on youtube
Thanks!
Thank you! I hope that everyone found this interview interesting – and I wish you the very best of luck and success in the future!!!