CONGRATULATIONS

to Bettine Vriesekoop (NED)

This new award will be presented on the ITTF WEB SITE on a monthly basis. A small group of specially selected members - coaches, ITTF committee members, ... - who wish to remain anonymous (for obvious reasons), vote in a secret ballot at the end of each month and are asked to base their vote on extraordinary achievement of a player during the preceding month.

Bettine Vriesekoop retired from international play at the Europe Top 12 in Eindhoven on 2 February 1997. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to table tennis, she has been named the ITTF Web Site Player of the Month for April 1997.

ITTFWEB:
Retiring after such a long and successful international career, what will you miss the most?

BETTINE VRIESEKOOP:
I enjoyed the atmosphere of the matches and I think the physical part.

ITTFWEB:
What will you remember best during your career?

BETTINE VRIESEKOOP:
I will certainly remember the Europe Top 12 titles and how hard I had to fight for my achievements.

ITTFWEB:
What was your happiest moment in table tennis?

BETTINE VRIESEKOOP:
Certainly the European Championship title in Stuttgart.

ITTFWEB:
... your most disappointing moment?

BETTINE VRIESEKOOP:
The Olympic Games in Atlanta.

ITTFWEB:
Any ideas how table tennis can gain more popularity among kids, on TV and with sponsors?

BETTINE VRIESEKOOP:
We need much more TV coverage and better sponsorships. I think we should have a 'public relations machine' to promote table tennis.

ITTFWEB:
What will your future plans look like?

BETTINE VRIESEKOOP:
I will continue my studies in Sinology. I enjoy learning about Chinese language and culture, and I will work as a journalist.