Marco,

In the thread where some Aussie TT is linked,
you typed the following:

>> Overall, I think the quality of the points were
>> fairly low. I think the match between Simon
>> Potaychuk and Pano Doc were much more interesting
>> points than these 1-shot points.

and in the "Derrick Cone vs. Simen Potaychuk - Video"
thread you typed:

>> We talk about "2000" all the time. Go and watch
>> Simon Potaychuk vs. Pano Dok. Both of these
>> players are solidly playing above 2000.
>> [snip]
>> There are no obvious ridiculous weaknesses (relatively speaking).

I'm still waiting for CLegout to come in here and
say "LOL! That's not the modern game! They're a
bunch of punks!"

But he hasn't, so I'll point out:

Potaychuk and Dok don't move their feet.

Their serves look like hardbat serves (not that there's
anything wrong with that).

They almost don't use spin at all.

The game is very simplistic.

Now I know that this is my third (or fourth?)
caustic post here in as many days... but if you
take away Potaychuk's rapid forehand counter-hit
then I think we're left with a match between
two 1600 junior drill-demons. That is, both
players playing into the strengths of the other.

BTW, if Potaychuk _did_ move his feet then his
fh hit could be really dramatic.

Now, I know these guys have played enough to
have earned their ratings, and I'ld guess that
I may have a different opinion if I were there
to see it in person, but ... can't you rip their
serves?

And Rob, I do appreciate being able to see this video.

-mark

P.S. I haven't watched the Aussie footage. I haven't watched
Cone vs Potaychuk, but I am anxious to as I figure I'll learn
something since I can't see how Cone would lose to either
player in that video (based on watching Cone play twice).

Simon is very deceptive.  He plays with chinese rubber on the forehand, and every forehand is different.  It can be flat, spinny, a drive, or a slow loop that looks like spin but isn't.  His backhand is much more predictable.

BTW, Simon does move, in fact he moves a lot.  Look closer.  He's always in position.  He just doesn't do a lot of flashy moves.  He doesn't run back and forth because he doesn't need to.  He's too solid with his blocks, he stays close to the table.  But he can get his forehand into play when he needs to. 

I'm very impressed with how Simon beat Pano.  When I try to play Pano, I end up getting moved all over the place.  To take a game from Pano I have to look like a superstar, ripping backhands and forehands all over the place.  Simon can get the win without running all over the place.  That is very impressive. 

Marco

ps...no I can't rip those serves.  Again, they are very deceptive. 

http://forums.about.com/ab-tabletennis/messages?msg=18055.4