Interview with U.S. Team Member Simone Yang

By Larry Hodges

Home City: Hillsboro, OR

What are the best titles you have won? 

I played on a junior team that made the finals of the Chinese Junior Championships.

Where are you from, and where did you grow up?

I’m from Sichuan Province in China. That’s where I grew up.

What equipment do you use, and who are your major sponsors? 

Forehand: Butterfly Sriver; Backhand: Pips 563. I’m not currently sponsored.

How did you get started in table tennis, and how old were you?

I went to the Zigong ping-pong school for juniors. I was 9 and a half.

Who was your coach(s) and club(s) during that time?

Zhang Yun Xi was my coach.

Where do you currently play and train?

Sometimes at home or at a local club at a community center.

How did you become a top player?

When I was young I was training every day for about 10 years.

How would you describe your playing style? Your strengths and weaknesses?

Close to the table, attacking. My strength is that I can play against a lot of different styles. My weakness is not moving fast enough.

Were you ever a full-time professional player?

Yes, in China from around 1976-82.

How often do you train these days?

About twice a week.

What are your major goals in table tennis?

To play in the Olympics.

What player in table tennis do you most admire, and why?

Ma Lin, because he has good touch with the ball, and he can play really fast. He can also beat a lot of players with different styles.

Can you tell us anything about your winning both Over 30 and Over 40 Women’s Singles at the U.S. Open?

I was really excited about because this is the first time I’ve won both of these events.

What is your educational background?

I went to college for two years.

What are your interests outside of table tennis? Hobbies, etc.? 

I like to travel, go shopping, work in the garden and listen to music.

Any advise for up-and-coming players?

Do smart training.