Allen Wang (NJ, USA)

I've known Allen Wang, a soft-spoken 17 year old from Turnersville, NJ, for over 3 years now. He often visits my home club, Westchester Table Tennis Center, to participate in the monthly tournaments. Over the years, Allen has grown a lot - both in terms of height, and as a player! :) Allen has been playing especially well over the last few months, finishing with a Bronze in the Men's event at the recent U.S. Nationals. Also a finalist in the Junior Boy's event, Allen will be definitely a strong contender at the upcoming Olympic Trials.

One can say that table tennis is sort of in Allen's blood. David, Allen's dad, introduced him to the sport as a young boy. Allen's younger sister and star player Amy also took to it in a big way, and the sport has become an integral part of their lives. They have invested a significant amount of time, money, and effort into it, so it is no surprise that the Wang siblings have had much success in recent years.

I spoke to Allen about this career, his goals, and his life in general. I hope to enjoy getting to know him!

Quick facts about Allen Wang:
Highest USATT rating 2587
Two-time U.S. National Junior Boy's Team (2016, 2013)
2013 U.S. National Cadet Boy's Team
Sponsored by Joola

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Allen Wang, 
Photo: Glen Randmer

With Allen Wang at Princeton Pong TTC

1. In my opinion, you've been playing really well over the last couple of months. Do you agree? If so, what do you attribute it to?
Indeed, I've been having probably one of the best few months of my career. The main thing that contributes to this spurt of success is not my skill or physical level, but my mental game. In the previous years, I was overseas training intensely, but in the tournaments, I would feel pressure and that would affect my game negatively. Now, when I'm barely playing, I don't have any weight on my shoulders, which allows me to play more freely and with greater confidence.

2. Tell us about how you got started with table tennis.
My dad was a ping pong enthusiast, and he would bring me to the club when I was younger. Having nothing else to do, I picked up a racket and started swinging.

3. What equipment do you currently use?
Blade: Joola Fight TPE
Forehand rubber: Rhyzm-P
Backhand rubber: Rhyzm

4. How often do you currently play and train?
Nowadays, I play 4-6 times a week with my sister in my basement.

5. What are your goals with regards to table tennis?
My goal is to make the Men's National Team and maybe even the 2016 Olympic team.

6. You are a relatively quiet player who doesn't show much emotion at the table. Does it bother you when your opponent is very loud and sometimes, even obnoxious? How do you stay focused?
When I was younger, loud players intimidated me, but now, after playing thousands of matches, I've gotten used to it. When my opponent starts to get loud, I become more confident because it means they are trying hard, and may be nervous.

7. You've trained in China and Sweden. Can you share those experiences with us and tell us what you liked the most about which place?
Both China and Sweden produce the world's best players. My experience in Sweden was all positive - the people, the environment, and the practice were all top notch. Everyone in Sweden is affable and respectful and they treat you like family. While in Sweden, I had the opportunity to play in the second league, which was great. The high level matches I was faced with in Sweden definitely helped my game. In China, there is more drill practice than match play, which doesn't fit my style - I prefer to play competitively rather than doing the same thing repeatedly.

8. Both of us have younger siblings that are very good at table tennis. I get asked all the time if he can beat me. Does that happen to you? How do you deal with that? 
As the brother to a rising star, I get asked that a lot from many friends and family. I always smile and say, "In a few years, I would have no chance against my sister Amy."

9. Is there one match that you remember as the best table tennis that you've ever played? 
The best match I had in my life was probably 6 years ago at the National Cadet Team Trials. It was the first time I made the cadet trial RR and I was matched up against the best cadet at that time - Alexander Yao. There was a 300-400 rating difference between us and I didn't expect to get past 5 points. Funnily, the match ended with me beating him 3-0. Although I don't remember much of the actual match, I remember the smile on my face.

10. Couple of rapid-fire questions:
Talent or hardwork? Talent
Best chance to win - Player with skills or Player with confidence? Confidence

21-point games or 11-point games? 11 point

Poly ball or Celluloid ball? Poly ball

More drills or more practice matches? More practice matches
More practice matches, or more tournaments? More tournaments
More important - technique or strategy? Strategy
Take a towel break every 6 points, or not? Always take a towel break, unless you have a big lead.
Courtesy point at 10-0? Yes, as a sign of respect.
To cho, or not to cho? Never cho in the opponent's face. I only cho if it is a close match, or when it is a good point.

10. Who is your favorite international table tennis player? Why?
Anton Kallberg because he has a great serve and his game is set up perfectly in a match - he knows what to do and what to expect every time he serves.

11. What do you like to do when you are not playing table tennis?
I'm a big fan of basketball and sneakers. When I'm not playing table tennis, I can be found somewhere in a corner on my phone trying to make a sneaker deal or adjusting my fantasy basketball team.

12. Would you like to share any interesting facts about you that even people who think know you don't really know?
I'm a quiet person with ambition. Someday, I hope to open a sneaker boutique in China with my friend Ludovic.

13. Anything else that you would like to add?
Wish me luck at the 2016 Olympic Trials! Come see us at Greensboro, NC :) I would like to give Joola a shoutout for the continued support - great equipment is the key to success! Also, I'd like to give ONLY NY a shoutout for supplying me with superb clothing.

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Allen, thanks for your time and good luck with the upcoming Olympic Trials. I am sure that you will do very well!