By Henry Chen
The Chinese contingent for the 2016 ITTF World Tour SheSays China Open arrived before the competition officially started. However, Zhang Jike actually was not included in such group. According to reports, Zhang Jike was the last person from the Chinese Team to arrive.
Zhang Jike’s plane landed in Chengdu before daybreak of September 15th.
The reason why the Grand Slam champion was delayed in arriving to Chengdu is that he had to attend an event before the competition.
Zhang Jike was definitely tired from the activity and the flight. But he was already prepared for training by noon at that day. Xiao Zhan, Zhang Jike’s personal coach, was impressed.
“Although the amount of his training recently is very small, he is fully invested in it. He pays special attention in this week’s China Open,” said Xiao Zhan.
Yesterday, Zhang Jike recorded an opening victory in the Men’s Singles. He defeated Tao Wenzhang of the USA in six games. Earlier this day, the young champion eliminated Koki Niwa in 4-1 (12-10, 11-5, 8-11, 11-5, 11-2). Zhang Jike is now into the quarterfinals.
As the most popular sports personality in China these days, Zhang Jike receives a very big support from his fans. According to the personal coach, he would want Zhang Jike to win the title this time for his fans.
“There are so many fans who support him. This is certainly a powerful driving force. It will push him forward. He needs positive results to repay the support of everyone,” he explained.
Zhang Jike also played well in the Doubles with partner Ma Long. Yesterday, they defeated the tandem from Korea Republic, Kim Donghyun and Kim Minseok in 3-1. Today, the powerful duo of Zhang Jike and Ma Long sealed their seats in the finals. They swept Japan’s Koki Niwa and Yuya Oshima in the penultimate round.
