Table Tennis

I played table tennis when I was younger. I was a proficient player, being the school champion and represented my school during secondary school days.



After laying off the sport for umpteen years, I finally picked it up again recently.

Being from the era where the diameter of ball was 32mm and the ball of choice was Nittaku 3-star,



I looked for the once-familiar model of blade: DHS PF4.



I found out that:

1. table tennis ball is now 40mm in diameter
2. each set is now 11 points instead of 21 points then
3. there are like thousands of brands out there

Since I knew nothing about modern table tennis equipment, I decided to buy the cheapest acceptable bat that I could find. I got myself a "Michael Offensive" blade with DHS Hurricane 3 rubber.



The package set me back about 80 bucks.

With proper equipment, I was ready to play some balls. Firstly, I needed kakis; and I found them at SG East Ping Pong. I was just coming back to the sport so I didn't want to give myself too much pressure by joining advance players. Intermediate players would be nice.

3 months later, itchy backside syndrome struck. The Hurricane 3 was doing fine, but I just couldn't get enough spin on my serves, and my forehand top spin wasn't powerful enough. Time for equipment upgrade.

I visited Sin Ten to see what they have in store, and I felt like Harry Potter going to Ollivanders to get his wand.

I told the lady boss that I want a penhold blade with round body and handle. I still have my attachment for the PF4, you see. She recommended the Ma Lin Extra Special with 7 ply. I had no idea how special the blade is, but since it's a Ma Lin, it must be good. By the way, Ma Lin is a record holding champion.



Coincidentally, I am a luncheon meat lover and my favourite brand is Ma Ling.



Next, I needed to select a rubber that goes with the blade. I saw they had a stack of Donic bluefire rubber in the tray and those students going to the store were asking for Donic bluefire. Of course I want a Donic bluefire!

I picked up a piece and the packaging says: SPEED 10++ SPIN 10++ OFF+. Just what I needed! I am an all-round offensive player and this rubber suits me to a tee.

I forgot about the fact that it also says CONTROL 6 (/10).

I added a Butterfly Sriver rubber to the reverse side of the bat. I am learning the reverse penhold backhand which is a modern technique.

The whole thing cost me $209!!!

I was shocked, even though I didn't bat an eyelid when I paid $220 for my Yonex NanoSpeed badminton racket or $550 for my Titleist 913 driver. Table tennis bat is just not supposed to cost so much.

I just paid up and go.

I tried the new weapon in the next table tennis session. There's a marked difference. More spin on the serve, and fiercer attack. The problem was the control part. I have to be more precise in holding my bat angle or the ball would either go into the net or off the table. No problemo, a few more sessions and I will be able to tame the beast.

Money well spent, but my heart still pain.