Table tennis test at half-done site deemed a success
Athens Olympics table tennis organizers declared the dress rehearsal for this summer’s Games a success late on Sunday despite the fact that the complex still resembles a construction site. After Chinese players won both the men’s and women’s singles titles at the Greek Open on Sunday, Competition Manager George Seliniotakis said the players were happy with the venue in the Athens suburb of Galatsi. «I talked with many players, they are all happy with the facilities,» said Seliniotakis. «All basics in the hall are there, now we need to dress it up, like in Sydney,» he added. Seliniotakis said construction was behind schedule due to heavy rain in December but that the venue would be completed in time for the August 13-29 Games. The arena will also host the rhythmic gymnastics competition during the Games. In the men’s final on Sunday, Wang Hao beat world No. 1 and compatriot Ma Lin, while world and Olympic champion Wang Nan beat teenager Guo Ye in the women’s event. Such was their dominance in the women’s event that the Chinese filled all four semifinal places even without world No. 1 Zhang Yining, who lost in the second round. (Reuters)
