Wong Chun-ting and Doo Hoi-kem role models for young Hong Kong table tennis players
Success at world championships in Suzhou can spur home-grown talent
The success of Wong Chun-ting and Doo Hoi-kem at the World Table Tennis Championships has set an example for home-grown talent aspiring to reach the highest level, said head coach Chan Kong-wah.
Table tennis has long been criticised for using mainlanders for international success, but local youngsters Wong and Doo teamed up to reach the semi-finals of the mixed doubles in Suzhou.
It proves if you work hard, you can achieve the same level of success, no matter whether you are from Hong Kong or the mainland
“I think their success is a milestone in the development of table tennis in Hong Kong,” said the coach. “It proves if you work hard, you can achieve the same level of success, no matter whether you are from Hong Kong or the mainland.
“Wong [23] has been in the squad for five years and now he can play against many of the top players in the world, his match against Timo Boll [of Germany] is a vivid example. Doo [18] is still young and fast improving and has proved herself at the world junior level.
“Her first major senior event has proved to be another great success, although she still has a lot to learn, especially on how to control her emotion during and after matches.
There are many talented players in Hong Kong that I’ve seen, but many of them cannot either put up with the tough training or have quit halfway because they have no chance of beating players from the mainland.
“The success of Wong and Doo should be able to send them a positive message.”
