Watching WTTC 2013 live in Paris

[JustAlt]

Are you going to Paris yourself or planning to go? Have you watched pro table tennis live before? Please share your thoughts.
I have for a long time now wanted to see the best players of the world playing live, but the only problem here is that when I realised that I could go to Paris this spring the best places of the hall were allready sold out. So I'm wondering whether it is worth going there since even the best seats are quite far from the table. Of course the atmosphere is going to be amazing, but still.. Those who have been watching big tournaments live, what is it like? Can you even see the ball properly that far away? Is it worth the money and time? Or should one rather watch the tournament on live stream and go see a world tour event or...? I would also be interested in taking some pictures with my DSLR and at least that should be fine with the right optics.

 

[revulucao]

i think the same i want some advice too

 

[Steven]

I've been at the 2011 WTTC in Rotterdam. I had a seat in the 2nd ring (similar to category 3 in Paris) on saturday and a seat in the 1st ring (similar to category 1 in Paris) on sunday. Besides being closer to the tables the difference is mostly your viewing perspective. The seats in the 2nd ring are up higher, so I was looking down onto the tables and I could see the whole arena. On the first 1 ring it's more like you're viewing the game like the coaches are, plus you can see other things happening like players waiting at the side of the arena before their match.
I could clearly see the ball from both spots, but I think I would prefer sitting at the long side of the arena, instead of the short sides or in the corners.
If you like watching top table tennis, but never seen it live before, I would certainly recommend it. Quarter- and semi-finals are usually most interesting to watch. I can't visit Paris this year, but I might go to the Men's world cup in Belgium.

 

[Tommy Lee]

Well, I watched many table tennis mantches from a distance but I think they are still very amazing, I can see the ball clearly and somtimes I found from a distance to see the player's movment is so cool, especially if there is a long rally.

Here are some photos I took them from a distance in World Tour Grand Finals last year http://www.tabletennisdaily.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?4046-World-Tour-Grand-Finals-2012/page5

 

[Kevzar]

I also went to 2011 WTTC, my seat was pretty damn far too, but it's still worth it to be at such an important tournament for players. I am glad I went because I got to see some players up close, I could touch ZJK, and Ma Lin when I saw him buy something at the vinqui stand. Ma Lin is so small and I filmed a small bit of Zhang Jike doing a lil warmup.

 

[Blackbird74]

Definitely worth going if you enjoy watching the pro's. I have cat3 tickets for Paris, and was in Rotterdam and Dortmund.

It is also worth mentioning that there are other halls where you can see lots of other matches and closer to the action. Worth it for that along, and the World Champs is really like heaven if you enjoy watching TT. At least the next two World Champs are in Asia (Tokyo 2014 (Teams) and Suzhou, China 2015 (Individuals), so if you are in Europe it is definitely worth going to Paris for this.

 

[Dan]

I agree definately go if you have the opportunity to! I went to the recent Olympics in London and I was at the very back of the seats.. and it was an amazing view with great atmosphere. The great thing to was at times the front rows were empty so I could just walk down and sit there. The finals were fully packed out, but other matches there were seats about so i'm sure you could move about

I really want to go to the WTTC 2013 to, I will see what I can do

 

[revulucao]

where you can buy the tickets online?

 

[Blackbird74]

Tickets:
http://fftt.trium.fr/index.php/20

Only individual tickets left for Sat 18 and Sun 19 May , so if you want other days, you may have to buy an 8-day ticket.

 

[Marija]

Watching WTTC 2013 live in Paris, so cool, I like it. Hope to have the opportunity to go.

 

[revulucao]

thanks very much, i have class....