Beijing, October 20 (Zhongxin.com) -- October 20 is Ma Long's 35th birthday. It seems that the most asked questions of Malone in the past year have been about the Paris Olympics, and the most he answered is "I will play every game seriously." "Regardless of the final selection results next year, Malone never asks about the finish line and gives it his all.
Malone greets the crowd after the game. Photo by China News Agency reporter Luo Yunfei
When the year of the fight
He won the gold medal in the men's singles at the Pyeongchang Asian Championships, won the men's team championship at the Hangzhou Asian Games, and also reached the men's singles final in the next WTT Star Challenge Lanzhou... This is the report card handed over by Ma Long in the recent competition, and this state has long been the best interpretation of "with love, always the year of the fight".
But the "year of fighting" belonging to Ma Long, not only has that persistence and love, but he is even improving while standing on the top of the mountain.
Malone in the game. Photo by China News Agency reporter Luo Yunfei
At the direct Durban Trials at the beginning of the year, Ma Long got the first ticket to the World Table Tennis Championships in the national table tennis men's singles. The journey to qualify was full of challenges, and Ma Long played all five games from the group stage, winning younger teammates and various playing styles, as well as Fan Zhendong in the final.
Wang Hao, coach of the national table tennis men's team, also admitted in an interview that Ma Long can still have room for improvement at this age. That Ma Long, who has long been known as the "hexagonal warrior", is still constantly adjusting his already perfect techniques and tactics - actively seeking change when passive, and being able to survive when lagging behind, relying on strength to keep himself on this most cruel stage.
First time to "last time"
On September 26, in the final of the men's table tennis team of the Hangzhou Asian Games, Ma Long, the third to appear, used an extremely beautiful forehand to win the championship for the Chinese team. The crowd cheered when he won the game, and Malone was even calmer than when he won the championship, just waving his arm with the simplest gesture of celebration, which may have become the final fixation of Malone in the Asian Games.
In a post-match interview, Ma Long, a four-time Asian Games player, was asked how he felt differently at this year's games, saying that there may be a "next time" after the previous Asian Games, but this time there should be no "next time". "This should be my last Asian Games." During the answer, Malone also maintained a smile, but his words were inevitably filled with reluctance.
Image source: Malone personal social media
In Doha 2006, at the age of 18, Malone won the men's team for the first time at the Asian Games, which was also the first Asian Games gold medal of his career. And the story of becoming a "GOAT" from the first time to the "last time" is not only a long resume and the eye-catching achievements that the announcer introduces in one breath, but also the best memories of many people's youth.
Ma Long always keeps the cruelest part of competitive sports to himself, the best side to the stadium and the fans, so that we are accustomed to the Chinese team with Ma Long in his town, and those games that can be won no matter how difficult it is.
Looking out to Paris
At Malone's matches, you can always hear: "Marlon, see you in Paris!" ”
Participating in three Olympic Games, winning five Olympic gold medals, and becoming the first player to successfully defend the Olympic men's singles title in table tennis are legendary. If Malone can still make it to the Paris Olympics, he will take the "highest mountain" to higher ground.
Malone's title defense at the Tokyo Olympics achieves a "double circle" Grand Slam. Photo by China News Agency reporter Han Haidan
In the latest men's singles ranking of the ITTF, Ma Long ranks third in the world. According to the selection method of the Paris Olympics and Ma Long's current form, he has a chance to compete for a Paris Olympic spot if he continues to fight.
In a recent media interview, Ma Long also responded to fans' expectations for "see you in Paris", saying that he also has expectations and pressure, but will try to unload himself: "Paris is just a competition, just an Olympic Games. It's more important to be in the moment. ”
For the Grand Slam winner who can "tie" with time, it is enough to really do well in the present and be yourself. Perhaps the best birthday gift for the 35th birthday is that everyone around him can continue to accompany him. Whether it's the Paris Olympics or competitions big and small, in the final stages of his career, Malone will still do his best, fighting for the people who like him and support him, and for himself. (End)
[Editor: Qian Jiaojiao]