1. It is likely we will play international team format with the tourneys we could be participating  (DBS friendly 4/21 , JS :6/29?  & Lions Charity (fall 2013)

Singe, Single, double, single, single

http://www.ittf.com/World_Events/2012OG/Specific_Reg.pdf

2. I am prepared to field 2 teams on each occasion and since this is a no obligation participation basis from all of us , despite deep down we wish to be performing at our best for our Alma Mata, I can only encourage all of us to try to come and practice (especially on double) since LSC, YWC & DBS have been doing that !

3. I have always preached doubles with players all working on their skills. There are FIVE continents in 1/8 in this week’s World Team. On even Stephen match up, the likely victor is  to be the team that wins 2 singles and the double either in 3-0 or 3-2.

4. In this week’s world team classic, several critical games were dictated by the 3rd game (double)

Video on below link:

http://www.ittf.com/ittv/

In today’s World Team classic S/F match up (hot from press) Men: China beat Japan 3-1 (lost double), Taipei beat Egypt (which surprised Germany with a 3-2 victory..again in doubles).

Women: Japan beat Singapore (3-2 , doubles), China best HK (3-0 but tight double game). HK got into 1/4 by a hard fought 3-2 win over Korea in Group (double again). This final is a repeat of Olympic 2012 (Japan beat Singapore 3-2 , doubles ).

Doubles Ends Duel
The writing was now on the wall; in the past Singapore has been able to field a strong doubles partnership for the third match of a fixture, often in the guise of Li Jiawei and Wang Yuegu.

Both have now retired from international play; the doubles partnership in Guangzhou has always been Yu Mengyu with the defender Isabelle Siyun Li. An attacking player partnering a predominantly backspin player is arguably not ideal and certainly the combination is not as strong as Li Jiawei in harness with Wang Yuegu

London Repeat
At the London 2012 Olympic Games Sayaka Hirano and Kasumi Ishikawa had beaten Li Jiawei and Wang Yuegu to book their place in the final. (This was an upset and the deciding game !!)

In Guangzhou they accounted for Isabelle Siyun Li and Yu Mengyu (11-7, 9-11, 11-3, 11-6) to achieve the same result; a place in the final.

5. On paper, LSC/YWC are neck to neck (favouring YWC with their doubles)  and WYK/DBS (in my humble opinion) favouring us. Depending on the format and draw, we could be 2nd. 3rd or 4thor even further down., depending on strength of other unknowns.

6. It’s up to you guys and with an interest group going I would like to enter 2 teams so that every one will have some fun in competition and brag to our better halves. I am just a facilitator.

http://www.ittf.com/_front_page/ittf_full_story1.asp?ID=31018&Category=