“Uncertain” Zhang Jike Swept With Any Doubt

Zhang Jike posted a 4-2 victory against Wang Hao. After the victory, Zhang Jike gladly accepted the media for interviews.

Zhang Jike, the “Tibetan Mastiff”, as what Liu Guoliang named him, said: “I am very much thankful for coach Liu’s guidance. I have made progress through hard work but coach Liu was the one who gave me this chance to participate in the men’s singles, and that made a very big impact on me”. In the competition, Zhang posted a very impressive improvement when it comes to maturity which was at its lowest recently.

With regards to the reasons of his victory, Zhang said: “This is my first time to play the singles in the world championship so I really didn’t expect to win. Prior to playing singles, coach Liu said that I am an ‘uncertain’ force, and that I play the singles ‘uncertain.’ But that ‘uncertain’ mentality achieved the championship.”

Before the competition, Liu Guoliang always scolded Zhang Jike. In the WTTC, did the coach still scold Zhang?

The new champion said: “This time, coach Liu did not scold me that much since I performed relatively normal. Coach Liu encouraged me a lot, it allowed me to relax. So that I can release myself into the game and enjoy my play.”

In the sixth game of the match, Zhang Jike posted a solid lead of 10-5 but Wang Hao managed to challenge him to several match points in 14-12.

Looking back to the situation, Zhang Jike commented: “In the final match, my whole self was a bit empty. In the sixth round, I earned six championship points. At that time, I was a different person and it’s really hard to remain calm. Seeing Wang Hao narrowing the lead in 10-6, 10-7, and caught up point after point, I just felt the pressure rising to the highest level. However, that experience with Wang Hao was indeed a lesson worth learning.”

Getting the world championship singles title will allow Zhang to be included in the preliminary list for singles in the Olympics.

Zhang Jike said with prudence: “China will not release the final list up to the very last minute. Because the world team championship will be held next year, my job is to do well in every step and win every game.”

“This is my first time to play in the championship so I don’t have any failures or success. My mentality is very good and that includes my game against Boll which I didn’t have any baggage - everything was from scratch.” Zhang Jike summed his first world championship journey.

With regards to that unforgettable winning moment of ripping his clothes off as a sign of celebration, he said: “Did I?”

He seemed to have completely forgotten the incident or should I say didn’t want to talk about it so as not to make a big fuss out of it. “After the match, I just want to vent out myself. There are a few details that were not enough, so I hope that after this, every point and shot will be better.” The new men’s world champion concluded.  

Photo source: flickr.com/photos/ittfworld/5713775682/in/photostream/