Waldner looks for third title

PAris, Aug 1: Swede legend Jan-Ove Waldner will be using his innate talents in an attempt to stop the Chinese threat and gain a third singles title here.The 33-year-old, known as the sport’s great innovator enabling him to stay at the top for two decades, including the 1992 Olympic title, is the table tennis version of three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe.

He has been nicknamed ET because his play is simply out of this world and few of his opponents would disagree with that compliment. The thing is Waldner, the 1996 European champion and four-times World singles finalist, winning in 1989 and 1997, basically has no weakness.

“Many players in the world are suspect against certain styles of play, not Jan-Ove,” elder brother Kjell-Ake summed up. “He can play againt topspin players, defensive players and fast attacking players with equal confidence.”