Why Karakasevic's Backhand Deserves Recognition

Having watched a relatively large quantity of table tennis videos in my time and a few specific ones about the best backhands I decided to write this blog post about one of the more lesser recognised players. I was also reading over something about the top 10 backhand players of all time. Granted these 10 players were all great players, but the backhand of Serbia's Aleksandar Karakasevic in my opinion stands in ability to equal the 10 on the list.

The Power of Backhand Video

Of course Kreanga is noted as the backhand player of the modern age for his wild swings and powerful backhands far from the table. The man is able to counterloop with equal power on both wings. So with such status in the world of backhand, how does Karakasevic stack up with the Greek God of Backhands?

Karakasevic, a worthy backhand player!

Well, if you have ever watched Karakasevic play, many of you may not have, he is all class. Not the most orthodox style in the world but the versatility of his backhand is incredible. The left hander has such an impressive range of options on his backhand. From soft blocking to blocking early in the bounce, counterlooping and punching, slow spinning and third balling.

Not only this but he displays an amazing level of confidence in his backhand, so much so that he has been known to cover a large area of the table with it, even coming well across onto his forehand side to favour his backhand. This is the true definition of a backhand dominant player. There also aren't many players who are comfortable playing full strength counterloop off their backhand side when back from the table. Karakasevic is truly an anomaly player in this regard.

Karakasevic was a European Championships bronze medallist in 2011 and had a highly notable win at the 1997 World Championships where he beat 1996 Olympic Champion Liu Guoliang.

Take a moment to watch the match above where Aleksandar Karakasevic defeated Tiago Apolonia 3-1 in the 2012/2013 Bundesliga season. The number of incredible backhand plays is beyond impressive. Granted the Serbian doesn't have the best physical form or footwork, his touch on the backhand is fantastic.

After seeing this and perhaps some other matches you may choose to agree that Karakasevic is in fact one of the best backhand players of the modern era of table tennis. Would love to hear feedback and opinions on this one! :)

The 5 Coolest Table Tennis Tables in Existence

Well after seeing what I saw last week I couldn't resist but form a small list of what I think are the ultimate table tennis tables in the universe. Definitely all on my wishlist!

1. The Ultimate Party Machine - The Stiga Studio

The Stiga Studio Table Tennis Table

Stiga have given the answer that ping pong partygoers were waiting for. The ultimate party table. With a price tag of $14,500USD this robust groove machine boasts 2800 Watts of sound system with Bluetooth capability and 360 degrees of music overload. This has to be the coolest table yet!

2. A Touch of Ninja - Eleven Ravens Stealth Premier Table 

Eleven Ravens Stealth Premier Table

Designed with the T17 Nighthawk Stealth Bomber in mind, this sleek and luxuriously designed table tennis table is composed of high grade jet aircraft aluminium and carbon fibre. Prior to production the company announced that only 5 will be made, hence the exclusive $70,000USD price tag on these unique tables.

3. The Gold Standard - SPiN Dubai's Gold Plated Table

SPiN Dubai's Gold Plated Table

When the concept of SPiN Table Tennis nightclubs headed to Dubai we all knew that grandeur was going to be high on the priority list. We weren't wrong, the nightclub hosts special events for those looking for a great night out and is home to the world's first (if not only) gold plated table tennis table. Now that sets the gold standard!

4. To be a Ping Pong Superhero... - Eleven Ravens Spiderman Table

Eleven Ravens Spiderman Table Tennis Table

Eleven Ravens once again showed why they are the most exclusive table tennis table design company in the USA, if not the world. This limited edition table themed after the Amazing Spiderman Film is just another example of why Eleven Ravens are so far ahead of the rest!

5. One Love for Table Tennis - The Earth Table

The Earth Table Tennis Table - WTTC 2012

Possibly the most sophisticated international competitions table we have seen to date. The Earth table design featured a globe beneath the table which glowed brightly. Symbolising the unity table tennis has brought the world. A throwback to Ping Pong Diplomacy.

Zhang Secures History for USA

Lily Zhang has secured a momentous victory for herself and for team USA by winning the bronze medal at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. Having already beaten the nerves of the prestigious competition, Lily had battled hard to progress through the quarterfinal round. Her big chance first presented itself in the semifinal where she played against Doo Hoi Kem, the top seed from Hong Kong.

Lily Zhang claims Bronze in Nanjing

The top seed from Hong Kong proved to be too tough a match for Lily, winning out in all the crucial stages of the match to win in 5 sets. We hadn't seen the best from Lily yet though and it was her display for sheer determination in the bronze medal match which showed why the USA and fans around the world were so firmly behind her in support.

Facing Miyu Kato from Japan, Lily had to rise to the occasion for her chance to reach her big goal, to win a Youth Olympic Games medal. She did just that. Executing highly accurate placement on her backhand was the opening weapon of choice for Zhang, effective at first it was Kato who was still fighting hard to keep on the ball. Every game was incredibly close, fans were on the edges of their seat and there was a full audience in the stadium. In fact it was the first 5 games which were all sealed with a 2 point difference, showing the passion and drive of both players in this once in a lifetime occasion.

Kato took the first set in deuce but Zhang was just finding herself in the match, as we had seen in many of her matches in the tournament. The second set fell in Lily's favour and drew the match to 1-1. We started to see longer rallies as both players clung on for each point with a high percentage of backhand exchanges where Zhang tried to focus on pulling the ball across the middle and then wider out to the backhand line. Some of these exchanges were successful but in others it was Kato who forced the error to take the point. Zhang took the lead 2-1 and was ahead in the 4th but a string of lucky points from Kato brought her back into the game and she stormed back from 9-5 down to win the game 11-9. This would prove to be a test of confidence and character for Lily Zhang as the match drew at 2-2.

The remainder of the match was no less close than the beginning, but we started to see Lily Zhang taking more control in the points, her placement becoming a little stronger and more tactical, some variation beginning to force errors from Kato. The end result closed in and Lily Zhang clenched a 3-2 lead and stormed onwards towards the finish line.

U21 finalist earlier this year now a bronze at YOG for Lily Zhang
with US coach Lily Yip.

With a match point on her side and a rally which pushed both players to their limits, it was Lily Zhang who claimed victory and achieved her goal of winning a medal at YOG 2014. Hands in the air with excitement and tears of joy for Zhang and a big show of support and congratulations from a smiling and excited Lily Yip who stood in the coaches corner. A long and exhausting campaign for both Zhang, Yip and Avvari but a successful result for the USA in Nanjing with still the teams event to go! Well done team USA!

Zhang Advances to Semifinals Stage

The excitement of one of the biggest sporting events on the globe is reaching its peak as the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing progresses. Lily Zhang has been hot on the radar of US table tennis fans and spectators around the globe as she heads for success at the games. The ITTF have been keeping us constantly updated with the YOG Live Blog which can be found here: YOG Live Blog

The playing arena
Youth Olympic Games 2014, Nanjing, China

Lily has been well supported in Nanjing with her teammate and fellow US competitor Krish Avvari and of course Youth Olympic Games coach Lily Yip who has been heavily involved in the campaign over the past few months including travel and support at numerous international junior events and training camps. While it has been an exhausting experience for Zhang so far who has had a very busy schedule to prepare and even endured the Japan Open whilst ill, she has pushed through in order to be at her best in Nanjing and the results are showing.

Coming through her group in first place was the first hurdle but Zhang was well prepared, largely in part to having high quality practice partners organised to help her every step of the way. Here is a clip of her training with a high level Chinese practice partner on the table adjacent to China's Youth Olympic Games competitor.

In her group Lily worked hard and had victory against her opponents, including stiff competition from her South Korean opponent. She advanced into the round of 16 where she faced Lisa Lung from Belgium. While Zhang always maintained a lead in the match, her opponent showed determination throughout and the match stretched to 6 games before Lily closed out with a convincing 11-5 win to end the match 4-2.

Into the quarterfinal stages and Lily was edging ever closer to her goal of achieving a medal finish. Her opponent Tamolwan Khetkhuan from Thailand, again Lily took off to a strong start. The sets in this match were close and her opponent really kept the pressure on each point. Lily showed a high level of mental strength to close out the games by winning the crucial points. While the Thai player was able to steal away a set in the match, it was Lily who showed she is a force to be reckoned with who claimed the 5th game 11-3 to win 4-1 and advance to the semifinal round.

Lily moves on to play against Doo Hoi Kem, the top seed from Hong Kong. Of course we wish her the best of luck and hope she achieves her goal of a Youth Olympic Games medal!

Be sure to keep up with all the action on ITTF and the YOG Live Blog!

The Top 10 Places to Play Ping Pong

Thought I'd have a little bit of fun with this one, obviously I cannot claim to have played table tennis in all of these places but if I haven't they are definitely on my wishlist. Let's show the world how versatile table tennis is, because it can almost be played anywhere!

1. In the Swimming Pool
Table Tennis in the water, everyone loves to swim and pools are directly linked with relaxation and vacation. So why not include table tennis in your holiday fun!

Ping Pong in the Pool :)

2. Underwater

Why not take it a step further like the guys at Piing of Power and play table tennis underwater? Are they crazy? To answer in short, yes, crazy for Ping Pong :D Check them out on Facebook: Piing of Power.

Piing of Power's Christian and Joachim playing underwater.

3. In a Nightclub

One place I can say I have ventured, the hub of table tennis meets fun times...SPiN New York. A nightclub fused with ping pong, the ultimate social night out. Now these clubs are appearing all over the globe, but New York is where it's at!

SPiN New York, the ultimate Ping Pong Night Out!

4. In the Work Office

Cut the boredom and start your day with something a little less work oriented by transforming your morning meeting desk into something more exciting!

Screw Meetings. Start your day with Ping Pong!

5. The Helipad at Burj El Arab in Dubai

Well the Chinese National Team have been there and left their mark, we saw golfers tee off here, tennis stars battle it out...then came table tennis to one of the world's most spectacular hotels.

Chinese Table Tennis Team at Burj El Arab

6. On the Beach

Now this is my kind of paradise, a few cocktails, some sun, sand and some table tennis. Is there anywhere this sport can't go?!

Ping Pong on the Beach. Paradise!

7. In a Shopping Mall

This pic was snapped at Market City Mall in Sydney Australia where they hosted a small tournament with the best players in the country for some good prize money. What a spectacle!

Table Tennis in Market City Mall, Sydney, Australia

8. In Your Garage

Where the grassroots of social table tennis holds strong. The man-cave of ping pong. The Garage. Not the most original of places but one you can always come home to, gather friends around, convert to beer pong with ease. So much versatility and character!

Garage Ping Pong, The Real Grassroots.

9. In a Park

A peaceful afternoon outdoors, a great place to locate a concrete table tennis table and have a game? Sure!

Awesome outdoor Table Tennis Table.

10. In a Professional Venue

Where the real fun begins, competitive table tennis has a score of amazing venues around the world for all players, social to competitive, beginner to professional. Check out Uberpong's ultimate Table Tennis Map Guide to find a club near you anywhere in the world! Link Here: Uberpong Map

Bercy Stadium. Home of the 2013 World Championships.

There are many more awesome places you can play table tennis, it's a sport for anywhere and anytime. So get creative and tell me where the best place you've played is!