Junior of the Month: Laura Xiao

By Chunyen Liu, care of www.geocities.com/chunyenliu

 

Photo by Yufei Xiao ©2002

Laura Xiao’s Record

The junior table tennis talent Laura Xiao has been the center of attention at our local club in Overland Park, Kansas. Her being the only regular female player at the club and one of the top players in Kansas, most club members are lining up to challenge her or give her table tennis tips whenever she shows up at the club, although she indicated that some players in the past made funny excuses not to play with her when she was a novice player. With her outgoing personality and excellent work ethic, she has become an indispensable member of the table tennis family here. Her performance continues to amaze many people one tournament after another. This short introduction is more like her biography than an interview because she is intelligent and vocal enough to clearly know and express what she wants and needs to do to fulfill her dream.

 

Please make a brief introduction of yourself.

My name is Laura Xiao. I am 14 years old. This year I’ve started high school as a 9th grader. Currently, I play once a week at the Overland Park Racquet Club, which is actually a tennis club, but they have table tennis once a week.

 

Is table tennis your favorite sport or it is simply because you have better access to it? What do you like about table tennis in general?

Yes, table tennis is definitely my favorite sport. Why would I stick with it for so long if it weren’t? Life’s too short to spend your time doing something that you don’t enjoy. Of course, I play a lot of other sports for fun such as soccer, basketball, swimming, etc. What I like about table tennis in general is how it’s both physically and mentally challenging.

 

What is your playing style? Have you been playing with the same style?

No, my playing style hasn’t been the same from the beginning. This is because as I have progressed, I’ve picked up more skills. My playing style is offensive loop/hit. Currently I’m focused more on improving on the skills I already have to reach a higher level.

 

What is your current training schedule? Have you trained overseas?

I currently train 4-5 times a week, at home when not at the club. I’ve never trained overseas – Canada doesn’t count since it isn’t literally overseas.

 

What areas do you think you can still improve or must improve to reach another level?

I need improvement on my backhand loop, and focus even more intensely on consistency.

 

In addition to the routine ball-hitting drills, do you do anything else to improve your game, such as watching tutorial videotapes, running, etc?

Currently, I don’t really watch videos or other things because I’m also very involved with school activities such as debate tournaments and others.

 

Who are your favorite U.S. and international table tennis players and why?

My favorite U.S. player is Fan Yi Yong because he’s got an amazing backhand and quickness. My favorite international players are Waldner (of course) and Fredrik Hakansson because I love the Swedish players’ styles. Also, Oh Sang Eun of South Korea is becoming one of my favorites, too.

 

Can you say a few words about your major competitors in your age group in the U.S.?

Currently, I have a LOT more competition than I did before. In the past, my main competition was probably Laura Leach and Judy Hugh because of the fact that our ratings were always so close to each other’s. Now, there are many more.

 

What was the most memorable event that has happened to you in table tennis? Any major disappointments?

My most memorable event was when I won three trophies at the 1998 U.S. Open. This was my first big tournament, and I was so happy, especially since the trophies were about the same size as me! The major disappointment I had was not making the Cadet team for Hungary (World Cadet Challenge) in early 2002, but I’ve had other smaller disappointments. I always get disappointed when I lose a match that I should’ve won.

 

What are your table tennis and non-table tennis goals? Do you have specific time constraints to accomplish those goals?

My short-term table tennis goal is to break 2100. My long-term table tennis goal is just to go as far as my ability and hard work can take me. My non-table tennis goals are to go to a good college and become either a reporter or a journalist.

 

Who is your major sponsor/supporter? If you are looking for sponsorships, what type of sponsorships are you expecting?

Currently, I’m not sponsored right now. I’m basically looking for a sponsor with good equipment and the best interests in the development of junior players.

 

What do you like to do outside table tennis?

Like any other teenage girl, I enjoy a lot of things: shopping, reading, going out with friends, working out, etc. Also, music’s a big part of my life. I’ve got a massive collection of CD’s, and singing is a great passion of mine. Another big passion and gift of mine is writing, and I am constantly writing.

 

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