Why was Harimoto able to defeat all the giant Chinese but Xu Xin?

[Robin0910]

Is that his play style that worked so well against Harimoto or was it always the mental game?

 

[passifid]

Harimoto back then had very little power and relied on quick redirection with his backhand. I think personally it is combined that XX is a spin based player giving him a harder job to redirect with speed and also left handed meaning his backhand wasnt as deadly.

 

[blahness]

Is that his play style that worked so well against Harimoto or was it always the mental game?

Harimoto depends on his fast counter game and needs to be able to control his opponent's loops.

Xu Xin had the highest spin on the CNT, and plus he is a lefty penholder with the opposite sidespin that Harimoto is used to, it is very difficult for Harimoto to control the block or counter from Xu Xin's loops.

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

Is that his play style that worked so well against Harimoto or was it always the mental game?

his scream can't reach the clouds (cloud walker)

 

[Kopp]

Xu Xin kinda ignored his screaming. Didn't get the intention he wants made him sad. Kids are like that.

 

[Der_Echte]

Xu Xin is one of the all time ultimate team player warriors for CNT who did not puff himself up before the world to demand chances for titles or Olympic Team slots... he simply gave everyone trouble.

 

[Gozo Zyreruna]

Is that his play style that worked so well against Harimoto or was it always the mental game?

XX is a unique player. His style is not the typical CNT play style. TH could have trouble there.

Simon Gauzy inherited XX flair. Since XX retired, the mantle of The Showman has been passed on to Simon.

 

[Takkyu_wa_inochi]

I find more fascinating the question why did Mizutani lost countless times against Xu Xin including a shocking defeat while 10-4 with match points Up in Qatar ? Open
And then went to beat XX not once but twice in Olympics as his only victories against a top Chinese player

 

[zeio]

For the same reason Ito couldn't beat CM - fate.

 

[longle]

LYJ suffered worst - can't say for sure if his prime can overcome Xu xin's prime

 

[greenbeanmachine]

I find more fascinating the question why did Mizutani lost countless times against Xu Xin including a shocking defeat while 10-4 with match points Up in Qatar ? Open
And then went to beat XX not once but twice in Olympics as his only victories against a top Chinese player

Xu Xin did not know how to play under pressure. I think one part of what makes Xu Xin such a good player is that he does not care so much whether he wins or loses. It seems like his main objective is to have fun and play beautiful table tennis.

Not caring about winning is a psychological advantage in many ways -- it lets you stay calm and relaxed -- but not when the pressure is extremely high. Staying calm under high pressure, while still playing seriously to win, is a rare skill, and Xu Xin didn't have it.

 

[mcfly]

XX is a unique player. His style is not the typical CNT play style. TH could have trouble there.

Simon Gauzy inherited XX flair. Since XX retired, the mantle of The Showman has been passed on to Simon.

for me, the real showman is the one and only Koki Niwa

 

[Kopp]

If you know the opponent and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred matches. If you know yourself but not the opponent, for every win you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every match.

–Sun Tzu, The Art of War