Waldner Willing to Play in China

Home>>Sports

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, April 02, 2002

Waldner Willing to Play in China

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Waldner glad to play in Chinese league

Jan-Ove Waldner is willing to play in Chinese domestic league, but he needs to consult the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) for the details, the Swedish table tennis symbol told Xinhua on Monday.

Jiang Rui, agent for Waldner, said, "Mr. Waldner said he was very glad to have chance to play in Chinese league. He could play for any Chinese club with 'acceptable' salary."

"But Mr. Waldner was worried that matches of the Chinese first- division table tennis league could conflict with his international schedule," Jiang added.

Waldner is competing in the European Table Tennis Championship at Zagreb, Croatia, which is set from March 30-April 7.

The only thing Waldner was concerned is that his club, Kalmar of Sweden, will allow him to play for two clubs, Jiang said. Waldner said he would consult the ITTF before he made his decision.

Another Swede Jorgen Persson signed with Chinese club

Prior to Waldner, another Swede Jorgen Persson had signed with Chinese club Heilongjiang Sanjing, which signed Olympic champion Kong Linghui, on Sunday.

Persson will come to China on April 19 and play his first match here on April 24.

Backgrounder: Jan Ove Waldner

Country: Sweden

World Rank: #1

Grip: Shakehand

Style: Offensive loops magically interchanged with blocks and pushes

Things to watch for: Serve; Ingeneous strategy; Spin handling

Summary:Olympic Winner, 5-times World Champion, 9-times European Champion, 7-times TOP 12 Winner, 2-times World Cup Winner

Titles:
1997, 1989 World Singles Champion
1997 Japan Open Singles Winner
1992 Singles Olympic Champion
1993, 1991, 1989 World Team Champion
1996 European Singles Champion
1996 French Open Singles Champion
1996 Yugoslav Open Singles Champion
1992, 1990, 1988, 1986 European Team Champion
1988, 1996 European Double's Champion
1989, 1988, 1986, 1984 Top 12 Winner
1995, 1994, 1993 European Nations Cup Winner
1992, 1991 European Masters Cup Winner

Date of Birth: 10/30/65

Mr. Waldner began playing table tennis when he was six years old. He practices with another world-ranking player, Mikael Appelgren, in his current club, Kalmar, and in his former club, Angby. Mr. Waldner lives in Stockholm.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Persson Says Chinese Table Tennis is Huge Interest