London, Aug 1 (IANS) The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) plans to work with Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates to promote table tennis in the US, ITTF President Adham Sharara said.
The initiative was brought up after Gates came to London to watch the game between US teen player Ariel Hsing and Chinese Li Xiaoxia Sunday, Sharara told Xinhua in an interview Tuesday.
Sharara didn’t disclose the details, but said that Gates offered to help after watching Hsing’s match, in which the 16-year-old girl nearly pulled off one of biggest upsets in London Games, pushing No. 2 seed Li to the limit before losing 2-4 in six tight sets.
“He (Gates) was surprised to see the young American girl played so well. He was very motivated. He asked me what he can do to help promote table tennis in the United States. I think we’ll work with him. If the United States becomes strong in table tennis, it’s also good for China,” Sharara said.
Sharara said the case was a “good example” which showed that ITTF’s efforts in promoting the sport has worked.
The ITTF has altered its rules for the London Games, allowing only two players from one nation to enter the singles events. Three players from each National Olympic Committee (NOC) were allowed to enter the singles in previous Games.
“The reason we do this is to give more NOCs to participate in our game. If we give maximum participation to the top countries, someone like Hsing will not come to the Olympics. They have no chance. But if we give them the chance, we can see what they can do,” Sharara said.
Sharara said the change increased the pressure on strong teams, like China, Japan, South Korea and Germany. “But they understand now because they saw other NOCs participating. Countries before had no chance to play in table tennis, now they are participating.”
