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Interview
with Jasna
Reed By Larry Hodges
1988
Olympic Bronze Medal – Women’s Doubles (Seoul)
1988
European gold – Mixed Doubles with Ilija Lupulesku (Paris)
1988,
‘90, ‘92 European Bronze – Team Event (Paris, Gothenburg, Stuttgart)
1991
two Gold’s –Women’s Singles & Doubles at Mediterranean Games
(Athens)
1991
two Gold’s – Women’s Singles & Doubles at Balkan Games
1992
European gold – Women’s Doubles with Gordana Perkucin (Stuttgart)
A
number of 2nd and 3rd places in Singles in International Tournaments (German
Open, Romanian Open, Bulgarian Open, U.S. Open, etc.)
A
number of 1st and 3rd places in Mixed and Women’s Doubles in International
Tournaments (Hungarian Open, German Open, Romanian Open,
Bulgarian Open, French Open, Austrian Open, etc.)
Member,
2000 & 2004 USA Olympic Team (#1 at 2004 USA and North American Trials)
Member,
USA National Team, 2000 to present
2001
North American Champion – Women’s Doubles
2001
& 2002 USA National Champion – Women’s Doubles
2003
Gold Medal – Pan-American Games – Women’s Doubles
2003
USA National Women’s Singles & Doubles, Mixed Doubles Champion
What
is your table tennis situation right now? Where do you play, are you sponsored,
etc.?
Since leaving
Killerspin (working for them) in April 2003, I have been playing for a club in
Germany and playing several Pro Tour events.
This, and the commitments for the U.S. Team, are great preparation for
the Olympics.
Thanks to Guenther Schroeder
at American Table Tennis, who got me some real equipment just before the
Nationals – rubber that I was actually able to play with – I was able to win
there.
You swept the “Big Three” at the USA Nationals (women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles). How did you prepare for that tournament?
Last
fall, playing in the German Club and the German, Danish and Swedish Opens, I
began playing better. I went up
about 40 places in the world (to about 115) and was having success playing for
my club. Because I am an
experienced player, I prefer to play more matches and have less training prior
to important events.
I
knew that Gao was not playing and thus my chances were much better than normal.
I still thought though that I wouldn’t win because of all the problems
I had with my former sponsor just before the tournament.
In just a matter of a week – and while traveling – I had to replace
all clothing and to obtain new equipment on my own.
I’m glad in the end that it worked out for me, and for Lupi (finishing
the final with my racket!).
What
was the most difficult title or match at the Nationals?
For
me, every match is the same. I
approach every match as though it was the final at the worlds.
I
know you don’t want to give away any “secrets,” but in general, when you
play rival Tawny Banh (who you played in the women’s singles final at the
Nationals), what tactics do you use? How do you play her?
I divide the table into 54 regular triangles along the table bias. Intensive computer analysis created by excessive DVD watching projects that not more than 5 triangles intersect each shot. As I take my backswing, I approximate the value of my opponent’s stock holdings, find the square root, and play accordingly. (Ha, ha!).
More seriously, I really don’t have any special tactics against anyone. I am not that kind of player to analyze everything the way most people do. I go and play, and just feel it. I guess I am able to make instant decisions, while playing games. You cannot ever totally predict what an opponent has for you this time, so you better be ready to have quick answers right there at the table. That is the only philosophy I go by. If I really care about winning a match, than I fight like an animal, and I am 200% with my head in the game. When I lose focus I am in trouble. How I see it is all in my head, and my approach!
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