Monday, May 25, 2015

Eugene Zhen Wang (Canada)

Chinese born Eugene Zhen Wang has won several accolades in North America since immigrating to Canada in 2012. A frequent visitor to Westchester TTC, 29-year-old Eugene has already had two big wins at the club this year. In February, Eugene won the Grand Final of the 2014 North American Tour after beating ICC's Bob Chen. And very recently, he defeated NYISC's Jishan Liang, winner of this year's Butterfly Cary Cup, in the finals of WTTC's April Open.

Eugene was extremely busy and therefore, only had time for a couple of questions. I hope you enjoy getting to know him!

Quick facts about Eugene Zhen Wang:

Highest USATT rating 2822
Highest World Ranking #58 for Men
Two-time North America Champion (2013, 2014)
Canadian Men's National Team Member (2012 - Present)
Currently #1 in Canada for Men
Represented Canada at the 2012 Olympics
Two-time U.S. Open Men's Champion (2012, 2013)
Sponsored by Butterfly

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2014 North American Champion Eugene Wang
Photo: Glen Randmer
With Eugene Wang at Westchester TTC's 2015 April Open

1. I believe you now live and train in Germany and play for Juro Morez TT. Tell us what prompted you to do that. Has it helped in further developing your game?
I decided to move to Europe because I know that I still have the potential to be better. I also know that training and competing only in North America will definitely not be enough for me to jump to the next level. This is why I moved. Competing at an international level in the league, has allowed me to gain experience with playing high level matches. 

2. Let's go back a bit... When and how did you start playing table tennis?

I started playing when I was six years old at my mom's workplace. After I showed that I have a little bit of talent, they decided to send me to a school for serious training. I became a professional player when I turned eleven.

3. What equipment do you currently use?
Blade: Kong Linghui 
Forehand rubber: Tenergy 05
Backhand rubber: Tenergy 05

4. How often do you play and train?

When I don't have league matches and other tournaments, I train two times a day, approximately 11 sessions per week.

5. What is your goal for 2015 and your overall career goal?
Definetly, my goal is to win the gold medal in Men's Singles at the upcoming Pan Am Games in Toronto. My overall career goal is to get to the top 50 in the world.

6. What do you enjoy doing outside of table tennis?
I like to watch movies and play soccer.


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Eugene, thanks very much for your time!