Hello from ITTF President

[Zwetschg'nmanschgerl]

Zitat von adham

Hey, now you're talking. These are the kind of questions that make me wish we had a "transponder" from Startreck so I could be "transponded" over to you and we could discuss your questions for a few hours over some tea, coffee or a beer. In any case, I will try to answer briefly here...
Adham

I'll give you a call when I'm in Canada . But seriously - thank you very much for taking the time to answer all these questions and "listening" to our concerns. Being already very busy with the projects you've described. And while we might not agree on every single aspect, I'm still glad to know that our highest official is so dedicated to our sport.

[Samsonov93]

Helle Mr. President,

What do you think about Vladimir Samsonov and the new Stiga Boost (TP, TC) rubbers?

Samsonov93

[adham]

Zitat von adham

OK, I will check this and let you know.

Adham

I have checked about the 25mN friction standard. You are absolutely right. It applies only to pimpled-rubber (long and short pimples), it odes not apply to Anti-spin. I now asked "Why?" and I am waiting for the technical experts' answer. I assume because the Anti-spin is predictable and the friction is even all over the rubber, whereas that may not be the case when pimples are treated. But I will get you the exact answer by tomorrow (today is Sunday).

All pimple rubbers have already been tested and here is the result:
- 6 short pimples did not meet the friction level and were removed
- 17 long pimples did not meet the friction level and were removed
- 31 which did not want any testing of friction (removed by wish of manufacturer

Only "new" pimpled rubber will now be tested, plus some authorized pimpled rubber is tested randomly from samples taken on the retail market.

I will get back to you for the reasons why Anti-spin rubber is not affected.

Have a good Sunday.

Adham

[adham]

Zitat von Samsonov93

Helle Mr. President,

What do you think about Vladimir Samsonov and the new Stiga Boost (TP, TC) rubbers?

Samsonov93

Vladimir Samsonov is a great ambassador for our sport. He is intelligent, articulate, dedicated and a great athlete. The only thing I would like to see with Samsonov is more "spunk" when he plays. Spunk means more fire, more tenacity. When he has "spunk" he is unbeatable. But it seems that lately he needs a lot more to get really motivated. I have see him sometime with a special "look" and with the "eye of the tiger". When he is in that state, I believe he is the best in the World. I wish he would find that zone more often.

As for his equipment, I really have no idea. I suppose that a player of his caliber can adjust to the equipment and that he chooses what is best for his style of play. I was not aware he was using Stiga, to tell you the truth I do not follow what the players use.

Adham

[Tackiness]

Mr. President, will you attend the German Open in Berlin?

[Neptune]

Thanks a lot for your positive answer.
NOW I will change from long pimples to antispin and rise to this new challenge. That only works when all doubts are eliminated and my head is clean.

Have a nice Sunday.

Neptune

[adham]

Zitat von Tackiness

Mr. President, will you attend the German Open in Berlin?

Yes, for one day only. Probably Friday/Saturday.

Adham

[Tackiness]

What are the plans for the ProTour going forward - will it continue to include a team competition at some events? Or would it be better to go back to the earlier format and have singles, doubles, and U-21? The team event does not seem to be a huge success...

[Samsonov93]

Zitat von adham

Vladimir Samsonov is a great ambassador for our sport. He is intelligent, articulate, dedicated and a great athlete. The only thing I would like to see with Samsonov is more "spunk" when he plays. Spunk means more fire, more tenacity. When he has "spunk" he is unbeatable. But it seems that lately he needs a lot more to get really motivated. I have see him sometime with a special "look" and with the "eye of the tiger". When he is in that state, I believe he is the best in the World. I wish he would find that zone more often.

As for his equipment, I really have no idea. I suppose that a player of his caliber can adjust to the equipment and that he chooses what is best for his style of play. I was not aware he was using Stiga, to tell you the truth I do not follow what the players use.

Adham

Sorry Mr. President.

I made a different text.

"What do you think about Vladimir Samsonov" is one question. He plays with Tibhar.
The other question is about the new Stiga Tensor rubbers. I play with them. Samsonov doesn`t play with them. He plays, I think, with Tibhar Nimbus VIP.

Sorry,
Samsonov 93

[adham]

Zitat von Tackiness

What are the plans for the ProTour going forward - will it continue to include a team competition at some events? Or would it be better to go back to the earlier format and have singles, doubles, and U-21? The team event does not seem to be a huge success...

We introduced the Team event on a trial basis and also to have at least 2 events with Teams before the Olympic Games. We have decided that we will go back to the original events (singles, doubles and U-21) for 2009, 2010. We may include some pro Tour events with Teams at the end of 2011 and first half of 2012 before the London Olympic Games.

Adham