It is like the cops hiding in alleys and jumping onto me when I have driven my car 35mph on a 25mph road. I hate those cops like everyone. The umpires at this year US Open were decided like those cops. In every major match, there was at least a fault call from the umpire. The woman umpire from Nigeria steal the show in the women’s final where Gao Jun approached the umpire with a fisted hand.
The controversy surrounding the US umpires aroused after the quarter final match between Chen Weixing and Wang Zhen. In the second game of the match, the umpire called fault on Chen for serving over the table. In the third game it has happened again. Chen Weixing threw his paddle away. The umpire called fault on him in the fourth game. The umpires stole the show, and Chen Weixing lost to Wang Zhen.
In the Women’s final match between Tanja Hoffman and Gao Jun, the umpire from Nigeria faulted Tanja for serving over the table. In the next game, Gao Jun was faulted on serve for not removing the hand after the serve. Gao Jun received Yellow card for showing disrespect on the next ball from Tanja.
What is the real problem with these umpires? Look at some of the world class players coming to the US. There is a few only to mention. The prime reason why the world class players don’t come to the US Open is because of the bad treatment from the umpires, officials and the audience. In the last year US Open, I was sitting next to a high ranked official of USATT. This official does not have any knowledge about international players. How do an international player get any respect when the officials don’t know who there are.
The US table tennis umpires lack experience. The USATT has not done anything to improve the quality of umpiring in the American tournaments. Look at some of the materials that are passed in USATT. The service rule material does not say the ball need to be tossed 6 inches high. The USATT carried the names of some frictionless pips that are banned long time ago. They are still in the list.
So, the judgments from the umpires in the Chen Weixing Vs Wang Zhen were justified? I don’t think so. It was unnecessary as Chen Weixing’s opponent Wang Zhen personally reflected his opinion to me. It was an over reaction. Was Chen taking an advantage with his serve? No. His serves are simple and straight. Did Chen serve the ball from his palm over the table? May be! What is there to crib much about it when an international ITTF umpires can’t find fault with his serve in ITTF approved tournaments.
The expectation from the players in America for rejuvenating table tennis in America is just a myth. The US Open 2009 had fewer international players this time. There were fewer participation from the players around the country.
Can I call USATT, a lousy organization?
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