Interview with U.S. Men's Singles Champion Eric Owens

By Larry Hodges

Photo by kausphoto.com, copyright 2001.

Eric, 26, just won Men’s Singles at the U.S. Nationals by upsetting top-seeded Cheng Yinghua in the final and defending champion David Zhuang in the semifinals. He was in the semifinals of Men’s Singles in 1999 and 2000 before making the big breakthrough in December 2001. He also won Men’s Doubles (with Zhuang), which he had also won in 1998 (with Barney J. Reed).  He is a long-time member of the U.S. National Team. He was on the Team that won the gold medal at the 1999 Pan Am Games. During the phone interview, Eric was undergoing neuromucular therapy, lying on a table, and periodically yelling, “Ow!”

Tell us what you had to do to beat Cheng Yinghua in the Final?

Well, the tactics against Cheng were to play very aggressively, play into his middle, and vary serves a lot. I served a lot of short topspin so he had to flip out to me. Then I could start from mid-distance, looping forehand and backhand. Before I had had trouble going backhand to backhand close to the table. This time I played mid-distance.

And what did you have to do to beat David Zhuang in the Semifinals?

Against David, I wanted to also play mid-distance, and loop forehands and backhands to his middle and backhand very consistently. I was always setting up for my forehand. I served long and fast over and over, mixing up the spins and placement.

Did you have any trouble with Sean Lonergan in the Quarterfinals?

I have trouble with his serves. He’s always done well against me.

What made you decide to go to college?

When I didn’t make the Olympics in 2000, I was burned out, and wanted a break from table tennis. That’s when I decided to go to massage therapy school. I took almost a year for my internship there. I got that degree so I could start working in my dad’s office. During massage school, taking the anatomy and physiology classes inspired me to learn more about the body. So I thought about it for a few months, and decided to actually go to college, maybe go into physical therapy or medicine. January 16 is the first day of class.

Any idea what you’ll be majoring in?

Biology.

After winning the Nationals, did you have second thoughts about going to college?

No. In Houston, I don’t have the opportunity to play full-time, since I have to work for a living. So, between working in my dad’s clinic and giving lessons, I didn’t have time to fit in time for my training. The school is giving me an opportunity, since my expenses are covered. This allows me to train and go to school full-time.

Tell us about the Texas Wesleyan program.

It’s a program started by Christian Lillieroos. He’s the athletic director for table tennis. I don’t know how the whole program came about – you should ask Christian. Christian knew I was interested in going to college, and asked if I’d be interested in attending Texas Wesleyan University and playing table tennis. They have scholarships available for tuition on an individual basis. There’s a travel budget for players as well. I think it’s a great opportunity for anyone thinking about going to school and practicing with many of the best players in the country – myself, Jasna Reed, Razvan Cretu and Idan Levi. Jim Butler is also thinking of going.

How did you develop your backhand? [Editor’s note – Eric’s always been known for his forehand, but in recent years his backhand has sneaked up on us, and is now one of the best in the country.]

Lots of practice!  All kinds of different drills. Lots of people do forehand footwork drills. Backhand footwork drills are also important, and I did lots of them. A lot of random drills into the backhand corner.

What did you think of your chances going into the Nationals?

I took a different approach to the game, ever since the 2000 Olympic Trials. I took a more relaxed approach, not really caught up in winning or losing. I just want to have fun.

Anything else interesting you’d like to add?

I’m going to be calling you for math help!