Chinese Team Trains In Rio

The Chinese Team is one of the earliest teams to have arrived in the city and they have already spent nearly 2 weeks in Rio.

They were immediately on business right after they landed and started on their scheduled adaptation and adjustment trainings. The head coach confidently said that they have already adjusted with the environment.

“The power of the Chinese Team is the strongest. Team members have gradually adjusted.” Liu Guoliang said.

Last August 2, Liu Guoliang and the rest of the Chinese Team had an interesting companion while they were having their training. It was the German Team, the greatest opponent of the Chinese Men’s Team in the competition.

At that time, the Chinese Team was focusing on the partnership of Ma Long/Fan Zhendong and Zhang Jike/Xu Xin for the Doubles. At the same time, Germany’s Petrissa Solja had the Olympic champion Li Xiaoxia as a sparring partner.

China & Germany

With their superstars, Dimitrij Ovtcharov and Timo Boll, Germany has successfully maintained their status. They are still one of the toughest competitors for the Chinese Team. Looking at past results, despite the degree of difficulty given by Germany, China has remained victorious.

Four years ago, Timo Boll won against Zhang Jike in the Men’s Team semifinals but China was the one who progressed into the finals and eventually won the title.

Germany Gaining Confidence

Interestingly, after having a glimpse of the condition of the Chinese Team, German head coach Jorge Rosskopf felt optimistic. He said that Zhang Jike could probably be their chance for a breakthrough.

“Yes, we have prepared well. We are actually one of the strongest teams, especially now that all of our players don’t have any injuries. Their good conditions allow us to be even more confident for the Olympic Games.” Jorge Rosskopf said.

By: Henry Chen