American makes history at Olympics
August 20, 2008
Wang Chen of the U.S. defeated Kim Kyung-ah of South Korea on Thursday becoming the first American in Olympic table tennis history to make it to the quarterfinals. She accomplished this in 7 sets winning 4-3 over Kim who happens to be the world’s top defensive player. Wang battled hard and earned her spot in U.S. table tennis history and the emotion showed following the match.
“I thought it was possible to beat her as long as I was full of confidence, because she is a defensive player.” said Wang. She won in a close and dynamic performance 11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 10-12, 6-11, 11-9, 11-5.
Wang advanced to the quarterfinals and will be facing world ranked No. 6 Li Jia Wei of Singapore on Thursday night. Wang is ranked 23rd in the world and faces a difficult challenge on Thursday. However, her accomplishment in advancing this far is historic and should help provide the confidence to win.
If Wang can keep the control on her side of the table on Thursday as she did in this match she has a chance at advancing to the semifinals and potentially winning an Olympic medal. Wang intends to retire following this run in Beijing and put her energy into teaching the up-and-coming Olympic hopefuls at her very popular club in New York City.
