Timo played very well, but unfortunately Ma Long also in a very good form. It was a good match.
MA Long (CHN) after beating Timo BOLL (GER) 4-1 to reach Men’s Singles Semifinal:
“I think both us played at a high level in this match. That seems to be the case for most of our encounters, not just for this tournament, but also at the World Championships and World Cup last year. We always fought till the end.”
“Even though I won 4-1 today, I think it’s great that I was able to make my comeback into the game in the last 2 games.”
“I wasn't in that much of an advantageous position as compared to the previous games. I played fairly well in the first 2 games, in the third game, I didn't manage to hold on to the opportunity
when I was leading 6-3 & 7-4, and that gave Boll some breathing space.“
About his strategies when Timo Boll was leading in the last 2 games:
“Actually I didn’t change my tactics much, I was mainly telling myself to stay calm and just play point by point into the game and stay positive.”
“At 5-9, I changed to 2 backhand serves and it worked well. After winning the 4th game, I felt more confident.”
As boll himself has stated he never liked time outs cause he believes they disrupt his rhythm of play [...]
[...] there isnt always a logical explanation of why europeans play or do what they do [...]
Yep, if Timo didn't want to call it too, then both with Jorg did a great job. They certainly didn't disrupt Ma's "rhythm of play" ...
Ha ha TTFrenzy, I couldn't agree more!! ; ) I often too, can not find a logical explanation why Europeans play .... ; ))))
well beating the chinese and having a more balanced life is definitely greater achievement than all olympic medals. European playstyle is about having fun and enjoy first, results come after. In china its the other way around. Im not criticizing either mentality , it's just the way it is and euro/asian players have different priorities.
I ve mentioned this quote like a zillion times whenever the euroasia comparison takes place but it fits once again . Boll in his book wrote that in a conversation with ma lin , ML told him that in the olympic cycle preparation his vacations were like 2 days only. Boll said he wouldnt change his way of life and train so hard just to earn an olympic medal
Very quick translation:Can anyone translate?
Ma Long exhausted? Imagine what a story it would be for Franziskato overcome Xu Xin and then win against the powerless Ma Long in the final
ML does look more slow tho. I guess the age has caught him.Ma Long exhausted? Imagine what a story it would be for Franziskato overcome Xu Xin and then win against the powerless Ma Long in the final
Something is wrong with Ma Long, I can see it in his face. Could be strain from all the complications with the Chinese team, and especially the problems with China vs the world of late. Could be something with the family. Who knows but it shows on his face.ML does look more slow tho. I guess the age has caught him.
...
I know why - Xu Xin just looks more like himself than Ma Long did in the whole match.Not sure why but I think xu Xin is going to win