Kim Song I at the Olympics
Table Tennis Discussion
Last updated 7 years ago
Devin Hirsch Asked 7 years ago
Hi Alois,
During the Olympics, I was watching Kim Song I, a modern defender from North Korea, and the bronze medalist in Womens Singles. Have you ever watched her play? She was ranked world #50 at the time of the Olympics but was able to beat Kasumi Ishikawa (rank #4), and destroyed Ai Fukuhara in the bronze medal match. Fukuhara was ranked #8 at the time.
She's obviously better than rank 50, so where would you put her on the rankings list, and what do you think makes her so successful?
Thanks,
Devin
Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago
Hi Devin,
I have seen a little of her play.
She has an incredible ability to retrieve balls on the backhand side and a sharp enough attack which keeps the attacker unbalanced.
She has proved herself to be a very highly ranked player. She hasn't played as much as most of the others which may explain her ranking. She was ranked number 30 in December but has dropped off the ranking again in January probably due to lack of matches played.
Thoughts on this question
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Johan B Posted 7 years ago
In general, watching those unknown north Korean players is pretty cool
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 7 years ago
Yes you don't know what you are going to get.
Devin Hirsch Posted 7 years ago
When I look at the top 10 female rankings, aside from the top 3 Chinese, I don't see anyone that I think would give her much difficulty, maybe Ishikawa. Does she have the skill of a top 10 player? I definitely think so. What does everyone else think?
D K Posted 7 years ago
I have read that North Korean players are not allowed to leave their country except some really big tournaments.
Maybe that explains her ranking too.
By the way,Ai Fukuhara was present at my home city two weeks ago :O
Johan B Posted 7 years ago
Wow so cool! Did you see her play? Autograph?
D K Posted 7 years ago
She did not play,she was here with her husband who played.
I did not see her personally,but one young Miss I know told me.
I can try to watch out for the next match of her husband and tyr to contact her,but I am not sure if she can speak English.
I am quite asd now that I have only a little chance to learn Japanese,as I would like very much to learn Japanese.
D K Posted 7 years ago
Speaking of Japanese,is there anyone Japanese?