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Yup, it's true. But TT is not like tennis where it's a "full" pro kind of sport. In tennis you can choose your partner, not the nation/country that chooses your partner. So it's common to have partners from other nations. In tennis you have your own managers, own PA, own coach, own medic, own physiotherapist even your own dietitian and stringers (like Pete Sampras). Your country only chooses your partner in Feds Cup and Davis Cup, or any other cup tournaments that involves the country. Otherwise, these tennis players will have to travel with their entourage on their own, not being supported by his/her country.
So, for Chen Qi to partner Ma Long or any players for that matter, it is not his call, it's Liu's call, the country.
Great to see Dima in the Top 10 I'm interested to see how high he can go. I think Ma Lin should be lower, he did have big losses. Not surprised to see Samsonov sliding out of there unfortunately :S
Top 5 is now finally as I think it should be. Ovtcharov into the top 10 is great, I'm curious of his performance next year. Same goes for Koki Niwa and the other young players.
Its great to see Dima in the top 10! Lets hope he can push higher and dominate the Chinese more.
Its a shame to see Samsonov out of the top 10. First time since 1995!
Der Echte : I saw some qualifier action at the Seoul Jamsil TT venue at a women's pro tour. Some South African woman was playing a lady from Japan (and won) while her Chech doubles partner was cheering.
Thats a 'spooky' tone, Sir Spookytone
Nothing spooky about it. If one compares the overall value put into organisation, training and number of active players, there is no surprise that a Chinese is slightly better. In any achievement, regarding TT.