Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Hou Yingchao the history-maker!

Written by 
Published in Table Tennis
Monday, 29 July 2019 21:23

It was the dawn of a new Millennium, the year that George W. Bush was elected US President, that Russell Crowe starred in “Gladiator” and that Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe (or “Thorpedo”) took home five medals at the Sydney Olympics.

What you may not have known is that the year 2000 was also the last time that Hou Yingchao won gold at the China National Table Tennis Championships. He was aged 20 back then.

Having spent 15 years with the China National Team, Hou decided to retire from the setup in January 2013 and started to take part in leagues around Europe. Poland, Russia, France and Austria all formed part of his almost nomadic table tennis itinerary.

From something of a wilderness in his career, the journeyman chopper began to re-emerge on the scene in 2018, when representing Canada, he beat Korea Republic’s Jeoung Youngsik at the Hong Kong Open.

Onto this year’s China National Championships in Tianjin, Hou stunned world no. 6 and tournament favourite Liang Jingkun, before defeating Liu Dingshuo, Zhou Qihao and overcoming Wang Chuqin – China’s highly regarded teenage talent, who beat Ma Long at the Australian Open just a fortnight ago.

Hou did not let the form book faze him for one moment, as he romped to a 4-0 victory in the final.

“Wang Chuqin felt some pain in his shoulder, which is part of the reason why I could win the match 4-0 today. Now I have two kids. I am more mature in my thoughts and mentality compared to 19 years ago when I first won the National Championships. I feel more relaxed on court now. I just want to enjoy myself out there.” Hou Yingchao

Hou’s story is certainly an inspirational one, which also follows the motto heralded by the ITTF World Veterans Tour “Better With Age”!

Who knows what is next for Hou Yingchao – China’s unlikely national champion.

Read 518 times

Soccer

Chelsea beat Everton to reignite UCL hopes

Chelsea beat Everton to reignite UCL hopes

Chelsea climbed back into contention for next season's Champions League with a 1-0 home win over Eve...

Pride stage late comeback, avoid 2nd straight loss

Pride stage late comeback, avoid 2nd straight loss

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDefending National Women's Soccer League champions Orlando Pride er...

Senator wants travel policies eased before '26 WC

Senator wants travel policies eased before '26 WC

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSen. Ron Wyden of Oregon has asked top Trump administration officia...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Trent explodes for 37 with 9 3s to key Bucks' win

Trent explodes for 37 with 9 3s to key Bucks' win

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers gave two reasons...

Celts vent after loss: Refs not controlling play

Celts vent after loss: Refs not controlling play

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsORLANDO, Fla. -- In Game 1, a flagrant foul by the Orlando Magic se...

Baseball

Mariners ace Gilbert exits with forearm tightness

Mariners ace Gilbert exits with forearm tightness

EmailPrintSeattle Mariners All-Star pitcher Logan Gilbert left his start against the Miami Marlins o...

Skenes deals best 'stuff' to shut down Dodgers

Skenes deals best 'stuff' to shut down Dodgers

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- Paul Skenes fell behind in the count 3-1 to Shohei O...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated