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Paul Kovac	See if you can Stump the Ump... E-mail questions to Paul Kovac - your friendly on-line USATT umpire. Please note: Questions which have answers that are easily found by consulting the rules may not merit a reply.

Q: I once had a case when I was serving when I tossed the ball in the air and blew on it by mistake while it was still in the air because I was exhaling. I then went to hit the ball and I missed it due to the fact that the blowing made the ball move. I'm pretty sure that I lose that point.

- submitted by Nicole4211@aol.com.

A: First of all: You can not lose a point in Table Tennis. You and your opponent can only score a point. For example, you are winning 10:5, and you are the server. You fail to make a good serve. The score does not change to 9:5, but to 10:6.

This is the interesting point you raise, and since the rule does not address specifically this situation I can only give you my personal opinion. The rule states that the ball is in play from the last moment at which it is stationary on the palm of the free hand before being intentionally projected... If it touches anything before being struck by the racket held in the racket hand, the receiver scores the point.

Technically, the ball is touching the air all the time when it is flying and if, for example, drafty conditions in the playing arena (which of course should not happen) affect the free flying of the ball, the umpire may call a let. Therefore if I were the umpire at your table and saw your affecting the free flying of the ball, and if I felt your action was not intentional, I'd call a let. If I was convinced that your action was intentional, I'd award your opponent a point.

- answered by Paul Kovac - your friendly on-line USATT umpire