Not many people like change and with the recent introduction of a new Poly ball to replace the celluloid ball I was willing to be dragged along with everyone to see if the new ball is of any benefit. It's another sceptical interference in a sport I love from Adam Sharara former ITTF president who seems intent on slowing down the game so it becomes more TV friendly. Been there, Seen that, Bought the T-shirt. It does not work. He introduced a bigger ball in 2000 and did away with speed glues. We are still struggling to get TV coverage.
BBC Grandstand which was presented by Des Lynam regularly back in 70s and 80s brought in thousands of viewers watching Jean Philippe Gatien booming the ball using speed glues. People still watched it. It's about building a relationship with TV companies and gaining trust and also making TT exciting to watch by showing exhibition Table Tennis.
Sharara has been in power longer than many of the world's dictators. It cannot be healthy and I believe fresh blood is needed to introduce new rules if they are very necessary. This idea that because China are so dominant and untouchable is a weak argument. The west need to change the attitude to Sport and to approach hard work in the same way Sweden dominated the Sport for a decade from 1989-1999. China couldn't get near Waldner or Persson.
I have been practicing with the new ball and I can honestly say It is the worst piece of plastic the world has ever seen. In one night the ball has broken in half. It is another half ar$ed idea brought in to ultimately kill table tennis. Unless we get real leadership in our Sport we will only plod along and get nowhere.
I watched some of our top International players on the ITTA ustream service recently. The ITTA have really progressed in the last 20 years. It is so much more professional and credit to all involved. I would like to say that compared to previous years when I was involved, the number of entrants twenty years ago was higher. That is a bit of a concern and will need to be addressed in 2015.
So since 2000 we have seen a bigger ball, Service rule change, No speed glues, Games to eleven and now a plastic ball and can you honestly say it has made any difference to TV ratings?
Yours In Sport
JB
BBC Grandstand which was presented by Des Lynam regularly back in 70s and 80s brought in thousands of viewers watching Jean Philippe Gatien booming the ball using speed glues. People still watched it. It's about building a relationship with TV companies and gaining trust and also making TT exciting to watch by showing exhibition Table Tennis.
Sharara has been in power longer than many of the world's dictators. It cannot be healthy and I believe fresh blood is needed to introduce new rules if they are very necessary. This idea that because China are so dominant and untouchable is a weak argument. The west need to change the attitude to Sport and to approach hard work in the same way Sweden dominated the Sport for a decade from 1989-1999. China couldn't get near Waldner or Persson.
I have been practicing with the new ball and I can honestly say It is the worst piece of plastic the world has ever seen. In one night the ball has broken in half. It is another half ar$ed idea brought in to ultimately kill table tennis. Unless we get real leadership in our Sport we will only plod along and get nowhere.
I watched some of our top International players on the ITTA ustream service recently. The ITTA have really progressed in the last 20 years. It is so much more professional and credit to all involved. I would like to say that compared to previous years when I was involved, the number of entrants twenty years ago was higher. That is a bit of a concern and will need to be addressed in 2015.
So since 2000 we have seen a bigger ball, Service rule change, No speed glues, Games to eleven and now a plastic ball and can you honestly say it has made any difference to TV ratings?
Yours In Sport
JB
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