Wang Liqin

CHINA'S Wang Liqin, the winner of a record 23 Pro Tour table tennis events, is well on course for a hat-trick of titles in Doha.
Liqin, ranked number one in the world, was quick to make his intentions clear after he pulled out a stunning comeback victory against Hong Kong's Li Ching for a semifinal berth.
"All our preparations from here on are keeping in mind the Olympics. If you see, we have the best players from our country participating here. We want to be cent percent ready when an event as big as Olympics takes place in our own backyard. Until the Olympics the best players will be given maximum exposure," said Liqin.
The Chinese have made giant strides in the last couple of years and he is one person whom they are banking on for medals at the Games. However, Liqin denied that he was under any sort of pressure.
"No pressure at all. Expectations are always going to be there. We are a huge nation and we are excelling in all sports. In table tennis too, there are others with me who are very much capable for winning.  "But yes my aim is to win at home and for that we have to keep performing well in all these tournaments."
Liqin has always left Qatar on a high note and rates Doha as one of his favourites.
"I have been coming here for the last few years and success has always been on my side. So I like this place a lot. And I am confident I can win the title this time as well," said the Athens Olympics bronze medallist. When someone is at his peak, it just doesn't matter whom he plays against and Liqin is currently in that zone. "I don't bother at all about whom I will be playing today or tomorrow. What matters for me is win. The opponent might change, it could be even my compatriots, but when I am out there, I give everything."
Liqin attributed his success to relentless training.
"Well it's just hard work and today I was down trailing 2-0. It took me time to read his (Li Ching's) game but once I knew his strength, I was in total control."