had only a single answer: ``Samsonov.'' At 23, Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus is one of Europe's biggest hopes but he must begin to show more consistency. In Eindhoven, he made an early third round exit to 19-year-old finalist Ma Lin.
Samsonov did take a bronze in the men's doubles together with Croatian partner Zoran Primorac, the world number four who lost in the fourth round singles to the tournament's surprise-packet, Schlager.
Waldner, the game's most successful player and one of few Europeans to have stopped China collecting all the titles at previous world championships, summed up the problem:
``The Chinese have at least 10 players who can win the title. Seven of them were competing here.''
The most noticeable difference between players from the two continents was the speed of the game.
Liu Guoliang said: ``Generally the Europeans are more powerful and strong. They are good in long rallies. We Chinese are more concentrated, have more speed in our shots, and go for the point immediately.
``We are menatally and spiritually better prepared.''
Waldner is convinced the Chinese domination will continue at the team world championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, next February, accepting: ``We will need a lot of luck to beat them.''
The 45th world championships were originally scheduled for Belgrade but were moved to Eindhoven and Kuala Lumpur due to NATO airstrikes in Yugoslavia. [Reuters]
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