Very Smart Umpires in British Open

     In the 11-point’s system, each point is very important to a player in the match.  So, a very smart umpire to observe each point is essential in upholding a fair play.  Otherwise, you would be very frustrated by being cheated by misconduct of some players.

During the recent British Open tournament, I was so lucky to meet two very smart umpires at the match with Jordan.  From my past experience, this female player always sat up when chasing the ball at two front edges.  But she usually did not admit of having done it.

According to ITTF Handbook 20011/2012 Index 2.10.01.13.01, it says that ‘A player shall score a point, if both players or pairs are in a wheelchair due to a physical disability and his or her opponent does not maintain a minimum contact with the seat or cushion(s), with the back of the thigh, when the ball is struck.’

The same incident happened when this Jordan player had match with my Japanese team-mate.  Fortunately the umpires observed her rule breaking behaviour and immediately gave point to the Japanese player.  The Jordan player irritably strongly rejected and denied of having done it.  She even refused to continue the match.  Subsequently a yellow warning card was given to her by the umpire.  Upon persuasion by her coach, the Jordan player resumed to play the match, but continuously grumbled on the umpires in an unfriendly manner.

Sarcastically, the photo taken on that day gave a strong evidence to support the smart umpires’ judgment!