In China you have many strong players who now are ranked above Kong Linghui. To be fair we must respect the rules. The top 2 players from China on the ITTF Ranking are automatically qualified. The next player from China will be decided at the Asian Olympic Qualification in April in Beijing. Many young players are improving in China and are now ranked above Kong Linghui.
The ITTF has full respect of Kong Linghui and he is a great Champion. Unfortunately, the ITTF does not have a wild card to give and the Olympic Rules do not allow more than 3 players from the same country.
I thank you for your interest.
Adham Sharara
Dear President,
It was a very very sad news from China on March 17th. 2000 Olympic Champion, Kong Ling Hui has no chance to defend himself in this year's Olympics. He even has no chance for the doubles (he pairs with Wang Hao if he allows to play, the pair had very good winning records since last year). It is unfair the Olymic Champion has no chance to defend himself. He is one of the best in today's TT world and has at least an equal ability to Ma Ling, Wang Liqin, Wang Hao, and Schlager. W for the 2004 Olympic gold or even better technically and experiencely. I strongly suggest that the Olympic Champion should automatically enter to the event to have a chance to defend himself, that will generate the positive impact for our sport. It is lucky and unlucky to play TT in China. He is only 28 years old and much younger than most top European players who had their peak over 30, like Schlager who won his World Champion title last year at 31. We, ping-pong fans would appreciate very much if you can honor Kong, the defender Champion a wild card for the 2004 Olympics. I went to Chinese websites last two days there are thousands of messages about the matter. Pingpong fans are very upset and angry about the decision made by the officials. A lot of them expressed they will not watch the Olympic without Kong playing TT. If they know English, zillion messages will flood to your e-mail account.
During the past a few years you have initiated several very good TT rule reforms. I hope TT is able to attract more and more public attention in the future. Thanks for your great effort and outstanding leadership.
Looking to hearing from you.
Ennan Guan
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