Is Ma Long's Forehand Pivot Outdated

Alois Rosario Answered 1 day ago

Hi Ardak, This is a fun debate, but I don't think it's as simple as saying one player would always beat the other. Every generation brings technical and tactical improvements. Fan Zhendong's backhand counterpin is one of the best we've ever seen and is a huge weapon in the modern game. However, Ma Long adapted throughout his career and remained successful against younger players by continually evolving his technique and tactics. While Ma Long often used his forehand from the backhand corner, he also has an excellent backhand and used it very effectively. His forehand from the backhand side wasn't an outdated technique, it was a tactical choice that played to one of the greatest forehands in table tennis history. If both players were at their peak, I don't think either would "always" beat the other. Their matches were incredibly close, and the outcome would depend on form, tactics, and the conditions on the day. That's one of the reasons their rivalry was so enjoyable to watch.