MACAO -- After a seven-game thriller, men's table tennis world No. 1 Wang Chuqin patted Hong Kong veteran Wong Chun-ting on the shoulder in admiration.
Representing Beijing at China's 15th National Games, Wang praised the 34-year-old in Cantonese for his spirited play after their round-of-16 clash on Wednesday. Wong, the last Hong Kong paddler standing in the singles third round, drew loud cheers from the crowd at Macao's Galaxy Arena.
"Competitions at the National Games are world-class. Everyone knows each other so well that we have to adjust our strategies in every match," said Wong, who had also edged Shanghai's Zhao Zhaoyan in seven games in the previous round.
READ MORE: Table Tennis: Go all out
Facing the top seed, Wong fell behind 3-8 in the sixth game but refused to fold. "At that point, I had nothing to lose. It became more about mindset than skills," he said. Wong then scored seven points in a run to level the match 3-3 with an 11-9 win before Wang sealed victory 11-5 in the decider.
"We met many times before in international competitions. At the National Games, I had wondered if there would be any difference playing against him. I'm satisfied with my performance today," Wong said.
When the veteran learned the 15th National Games would be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, he immediately decided to take part after having missed the last edition in Shaanxi. "The Games means a lot to me. Hearing fans cheering in Cantonese felt like being at home," he said.
READ MORE: HK Jockey Club CEO confident of GBA cooperation at Games
A torchbearer for the Games in Hong Kong, Wong has been a Hong Kong team fixture since 2012 and a role model for the city's younger paddlers. He acknowledged the rising global competition. "Talents are emerging in Japan, South Korea and Europe. French teenager Felix Lebrun won an Olympic medal at 17. We need to feel that urgency and work harder," he said.
At the current Games, Hong Kong's Chan Baldwin and Doo Hoi Kem exited in the singles second round, while top-seeded mixed doubles pair Wong and Doo lost in the quarterfinals to Liaoning's Chen Xingtong and Xu Haidong.
ALSO READ: Historic National Games forge deeper bonds
"Some think Hong Kong has a talent gap. We do need fresh blood, but with better facilities and support, I'm confident things will keep improving," Wong said, adding that local attitudes toward sport have changed. "Parents used to prioritize study, but now more encourage their children to pursue athletics. Universities also support athletes to succeed in both areas, which is a great step."
Hong Kong's young paddlers also competed in the youth events. "It's a valuable experience, though they still need to show more vitality," Wong said. "I want to be a target, not just a veteran leading the way. If one day I'm the sixth-ranked player in our team, I'll be happy. That day won't be far away."
