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| Photo: Sina Sports |
Marvellous 12 Amazing Hand Switch Shot (Watch Full Match here)
2017 World Championships is not Feng Yalan's first Worlds. She played in women's doubles (partnering Mu Zi) and mixed doubles (partnering Yan An) in 2011 Worlds. Yet playing under the shadow of the super stars, Feng Yalan was more-heard not until playing the amazing hand switch shot played in the Marvellous 12 (2017 Chinese Trials) against Ding Ning.
Amazing Shots
If you think the clip above is too short, here are more incredible shots played by Feng Yalan in the Marvellous 12.
About Feng Yalan
Feng Yalan was born in Wuhan, Hubei in 1990. She started playing table tennis at the age of 4 and made to the junior national team in 2003. 3 years after entering the national team, she was assigned to play in 2006 World Junior Championships and walked away with 2 gold medals, the women's team and the women's singles. Later that year, she proceeded to the senior team. After years of hard work, she earned the spot to the Worlds in 2011. She recalled in an interview that she was a bit disappointed after knowing that she could only play in women's doubles and mixed doubles but not the singles. In the competitive national team, it's either getting better or getting worse. After an under par performance in her first worlds, Feng Yalan was surpassed by the upcoming young players. In her nadir, she took psychology classes during holidays and developed an interest in music (she writes her own song). In 2017 her effort has earned her the opportunity to play in World Championships. Despite playing in mixed doubles only, the more mature Feng Yalan has a different attitude towards this championships. We hope she enjoys the experience in Worlds (transnational pairing!) and has a satisfying result.
Many may think Feng Yalan looks like a man with her short hair cut and builds. Not only does she look like a man, she plays like a man. Her secret weapon is her powerful forehand drive. You can find she plays lot more pivot forehand strokes than most of the female players who usually stick with counter backhand drive. She can also play strong counter loop. This is why her competition is exciting watch and definitely win many 'wows' and 'ahs' from the spectators.
Oldies: 2010 German Open Women's Singles Finals -- Ding Ning Vs Feng Yalan
2011 Chinese Trials No.3-4 Play Off -- Liu Shiwen Vs Feng Yalan
Bonus: Feng Yalan's version of 2015 Worlds Ding Ning Vs Liu Shiwen Moment
In 2016 CTTSL women's team finals, Feng Yalan was second in the line-up to play against Shandong's Zhu Yuling. Feng led the first 2 sets and Zhu Yuling twisted her ankle in the third set (BO5 format). They were rivals in the competition but when Zhu Yuling injured herself, Feng Yalan expressed her sympathy towards Zhu. Like Ding Ning, Zhu Yuling made a comeback with one leg after 5 intense sets. Fortunately, Feng Yalan was able to win the title with the team despite her loss.
2016 CTTSL Women's Team Finals -- Wuhan Vs Shandong
The new Throwback Thursday will be updated every Thursday. We will post more stories and reports as the World championships approaching. Stay tuned! It seems that last week's Throwback Thursday is not the cup of tea for most people. Comment below to tell me which style do you like the most.
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