"Despite the surprise, Chinese fans continue to admire Timo Boll"
It's time to bid adieu to the table tennis king, Timo Boll, as he takes his final bow as a professional player. This Sunday, as Borussia Düsseldorf battles TTF Ochsenhausen for the German championship, Boll will step onto the court one last time, putting an end to an exceptional career that has left a lasting impact on the sport.
Boll's legendary career has taken him to the top of the world rankings four times and earned him numerous titles with Düsseldorf, along with four Olympic and nine World Championship medals. In a recent interview with ntv.de, Bundestrainer Jörg Roßkopf shared insights into Boll's enduring success and why he's an icon in China.
ntv.de: Hello Herr Roßkopf, how is Timo Boll?
Jörg Roßkopf: Boll has been a bit nervous lately, knowing this Sunday will mark the end of his career. Despite his emotions, he's focused on contributing to Düsseldorf's victory and is in top shape. But his success isn't about winning this last game; it's about managing his emotions and performing well.
... is there always a 'but'?
While Boll doesn't have to win his last game to prove anything, he's a competitor at heart and aims to secure a point for Düsseldorf. He may be facing tough opponents, but his lengthy career has taught him to adapt and overcome any challenge that comes his way.
A True Icon in China
Boll's career isn't just about medals and titles; it's about breaking records and challenging the status quo. Take his 2005 World Championship win in Shanghai, where he was awarded the Fair-Play Award instead of a medal, despite having a match point against his opponent Liu Guozheng - a testament to his integrity.
Timo Boll isn't just a great player; he's a cultural ambassador, loved even by China, despite being their biggest rival. The older generations of Chinese people adore him for challenging their stars, while the younger generation admires those same stars. China's passion for the sport is evident in the masses that follow their homegrown talent, and Boll has sparked a connection that transcends the competition.
Adapting to the Game
Throughout the years, table tennis has seen numerous changes, and Boll has been a trailblazer in adapting to these changes. Transitioning from celluloid balls to plastic balls in 2014 required significant adjustments in technique, strategy, and physical conditioning. With a soft and flexible blade like Timo Boll ALC and enhanced rubbers like Dignics 09c, Boll continued to deliver powerful loops while focusing more on accuracy and control.
Timo Boll's remarkable career is proof that talent, determination, and adaptability can take you to the top of the table tennis world, leaving a lasting impression for generations to come. As he retires, he leaves behind a legacy that celebrates his phenomenal skill, unmatched grit, and unwavering integrity, inspiring a new generation to pick up the paddle and aim for greatness.
Interview with Jörg Roßkopf by Tobias Nordmann
Source: ntv.de
- Timo Boll
- Olympic Games
- World Championships
- Plastic Balls
- Rubbers (Dignics 09c)
- Blades (Timo Boll ALC)
The Commission, in light of Boll's remarkable career and influence on table tennis, could potentially propose a directive to protect workers in the sport from ionizing radiation, such as those used in ball manufacturing.
As Boll steps down from professional table tennis, he might find his passion switching to another area, perhaps even sports-related activities in China, considering his status as a cultural ambassador.
