Although this is difficult for me to understand it is the reality and the way the top players are thinking. However, with 21 points they feel more secure and they know that if they are better they will win at the end. It seems to me that the problem is not the shorter games, it is actually a psychological problem. the top players feel stressed and are afraid to lose the games to younger or weaker players. I think that we will need more time for the top players to adjust and feel comfortable again with 11 points. When the game was 21 points, and the score reached 10-10 or so, the players did not panic and start to use fast tactics. Why now? It's only a "mental" pressure problem. I think that the coaches and the players must practice more the 11 points games and after one year or so, I am sure that they will adjust.

On the positive side, this 11 point system gave many chances to the younger players and lower ranked players to beat some top players. I think that this is very good for the excitement in our sport.

Rahul Nelson: One of the main intentions for this rule change was to increase the TV coverage. Is there any development that you could mention since the introduction of the shorter games?

Adham Sharara: Definitely the TV like it better. before many times in "highlights" the TV was covering only the last few points of each game. Now they could cover whole games. It is much better. Table tennis experts do not like it, I know. Also in China, the players and officials do not like it. But the general public and TV companies really like it. For your information the ITTF was able to get the 2002 European Championships in Zagreb to be televised "live" by Eurosport. Also a few days ago we made an agreement with China National TV (CCTV) to cover all the Pro Tour events on their national Channel (before it was on ESPN on satellite only). It seems that the TV are satisfied with the change.

Rahul Nelson: Although quite a few people who criticized the shorter games in the beginning seem to have changed their mind, there are still some players who would prefer to go back to 21 points. Is there any association belonging to the ITTF that plans to do so or at least any group that tries to fight for the 21 on a politically basis within the ITTF?

Adham Sharara: At the moment I have not heard of any such plans. But of course, other than at the international level which must follow ITTF rules, locally organisers could still use 21 points or 38 mm balls. It is up to them- unless they must following National Rules. In my country there is an old club near Vancouver (west of Canada) that still uses 21 points and 38 mm balls. As a matter of fact I donated to them the 38mm balls. They are senior players and for me it's important that they continue to play and enjoy Table tennis any was they like.

Rahul Nelson: Can you imagine to change anything concerning the counting system in the near future?

Adham Sharara: Maybe at the moment we should wait at least one full season and then try to make improvements if necessary.

Rahul Nelson: In my personal opinion, the only thing that does not work properly with the 11 is the double. Here it seems to be a problem that the players have only two services and get almost no chance to find a rhythm, since the changes make it very difficult to develop any strategy during a game. Would you agree? And if so: How could we change this situation?