2003 USA Table Tennis World and Pan Am Trials

Atlanta, GA • March 17-22, 2003

Men's Qualifier

By Larry Hodges

Men's Qualifier Results

Tuesday Morning Quarterfinals

Sean O'Neill d. Russell Hamilton, -3,7,4,5,7

Early on, it was Hamilton dominating with his serve & attack. However, as the match continued, O'Neill's receive became stronger, while O'Neill's own third-ball attacks became stronger. Hamilton was very strong in long rallies, often forcing O'Neill into passive blocking or fishing, but often seemed unable to really end the point when he had the initiative. Between better return of serve, strong third-ball attack, and steady blocking & fishing, O'Neill turned the match around and dominated after the first game. 

Shashin Shodhan d. Lee McCool, 7,6,7,-8,8

Both players were very aggressive in this match, but in different ways. Shashin's attack was a steadier attack, and more varied - sometimes steady loops, sometimes power loops, other times he'd loop off the bounce, or punch a backhand. McCool's attack was a higher-risk attack, with great power from both wings. Too often he'd be going for a big winner off a strong loop from Shodhan. Shodhan dominated most of each game, and in the four games he won, had leads of 10-3, 10-3, 10-6 and 10-5. At the end of each game, McCool would unleash furious (and successful) attacks, and down game point, McCool was dominant, winning those points 11-4 - but it was a big hole he'd dug. "I'm a slacker," said Shodhan, when shown the game-point stats. 

Jiachen "David" Wang d. Chi-Sun Chui, 6,7,6,7

This looked like one of the more competitive matches, but most favored Chui to win. However, Wang completely dominated. "I had to be very focused against him," Wang said. "I had to attack first, or there was no way to win. I had to serve & attack, and go after his middle, since he's so strong on the corners." Interestingly, this match was played at the same times Chi-Sun's father's match - but it was not a successful morning for the Chui's. 

De Tran d. Lim Ming Chui, 5,4,8,4

In this battle of lefties, it was all Tran, who looped continuously to all parts of the table against penholder Chui's pips-out hitting & blocking. However, it was a great ride for the 55-year-old senior Chui, formerly the U.S. #2 player. 

Semifinal Match-ups (Noon on Tuesday)

• Sean O'Neill vs. Shashin Shodhan
• De Tran vs. Jiachen "David" Wang

2003 USA Team Trials Home Page