2022 has just begun, and the national table tennis veteran has officially announced his retirement from the national team, that is, the 28-year-old famous chipper Matt. As one of the few chippers, Matt's career did not have a brilliant record, but he trained with his world champion teammates every day, helped his main teammates adapt to various play styles, and dedicated his entire career within the national table tennis. Matt, like Fang Bo, Yan An and Zhou Yu, belongs to the national team and does not retire, and will appear on the field in the future.
Matt officially announced his withdrawal from the national team on the social platform at the same time, but also thanked the national table tennis for his cultivation, deeply aware that his age increased, the decline in competitiveness is an indisputable fact, perhaps quitting the national team is the best choice, but also to provide opportunities for young athletes. However, Matt personally admitted that he will complete the next National Games with Hubei and will also participate in the Table Tennis Super League as usual, but he will no longer participate in the training of the national team, which is a windfall for fans.
In fact, many fans know Matt or participated in the Olympic simulation last year, partner Liu Fei formed a double-chip combination, and won the mixed doubles final 4-2 against Zhou Yu/Chen Xingtong. The power of the two sharpshooters is really powerful, including the main combination of national table tennis, which has become their defeated player. Partner Liu Fei is still slowly improving, participating in the WTT Slovenia regular season last year, and also won the women's singles championship, and with Matt's withdrawal from the national team, the double-chip combination no longer exists.
Among the records of Matt's career, the most prominent result is undoubtedly the men's singles champion of the two national youth championships. In 2011, Matt won the first national youth championship, and in 2012, he met Fan Zhendong in the final, and won the championship by defeating his opponent 4-3, not only successfully defending his title, but also becoming the focus of the national team' training. It is a pity that there are many talents within the national table tennis, and only when the results of the internal and external battles are outstanding, can they have the opportunity to become the main players of the national team, so as to stay in the national team for a long time.
Although Matt no longer plays for the national team, the style of play of the chipper is still a problem that the main player of the national table tennis needs to adapt to. Just like the veteran Hou Yingchao, with the ability to beat liang Jingkun, the main player of the national team, with the cutting style of play, Matt is expected to return to the national team to help his teammates train in the future. And Matt also specifically mentioned this, if the national team needs it, he will return to the national team as soon as possible, without forgetting his responsibilities.
Either way, I wish Matt a happier life in the future. Not to mention that the Table Tennis Super League is held every year, and Matt is not short of opportunities to compete. Matt represented Shantou Mingrun Club this season and also played his part. In addition, there are higher-level National Games, as well as national championships, Matt can play another Olympic cycle on behalf of the provincial team as long as he maintains good physical condition.