TABLE TENNIS: The group stage of table tennis is now over with Australia holding their own against tough competition at the Wutaishan Sports Gymnasium in Nanjing.

Both Vy Bui from South Australia, and Dominic Huang from Victoria, have improved throughout the group stage, with Bui feeling much more confident in her game after her round three clash with Chinese Taipei’s Ssu-Hua Chiu

“Compared to the first match, I think I mentally prepared much better, I was more used to the atmosphere,” the 18-year-old said.

“The first one was a bit daunting because there was a large crowd [and] I have never experienced it, so the second and third match I played much better. I didn't let the crowd and surroundings interfere.”

Unfortunately, Bui lost 3-0 in a match that lasted 18 minutes, but says she has learnt from the experience which she can take back home and improve on for future Games.

“The match itself was okay. I thought I could have played better but because she is a really good player and highly experienced, she played very well,” the University student said of her opponent, Chiu.

“From my matches I think I need to improve on a lot of aspects and I realised I have a few more weaknesses I need to improve on... I just really need to train harder.”

Sixteen-year-old Huang jumped leaps and bounds in the group stage, rising to the level of third seed Hugo Calderano (Brazil) in his round three match, forcing the first game to 14-12 and going toe-to-toe with one of the top seeds.

Nevertheless, having lost all of their matches both Bui and Huang have finished fourth after the group stage, pushing them out of medal contention.

However, both athletes will now get the opportunity to play again in the consolation knockout draw which begins this evening to determine positions 17-32.

In the second session today Bui will take on Natalia Bajor from Poland while Huang will come up against Elia Schmid from Switzerland.

Laura Judd
olympics.com.au
@AUSOlympicTeam