Final

So as many people expected, the final is a rematch, the eighth meeting of Zhuang and Keinath in the past three years. These matches have become ‘Instant Classics', with remarkable comebacks on both players parts. Most recently, David had schooled Keinath in four straight games at the Le Chi/West Covina TTC Open. Was this to be the new order of things? Surrounded by spectators on four sides, our Olympic-sized court was to be the testing ground. With $800 for the runner-up and $2,000 for first, surely neither player could be too disappointed. Obviously, though, for these two, it's gone beyond money. They are very evenly matched at this point in their careers and have the results to prove it. But today, at the New Jersey Open it is all Keinath. The room quiets as fans wait for a chance to reward David, but it doesn't come. He does not seem as sure of himself as he often does, and even misses, simply misses, a serve. Thomas, however is delighted with the outcome, 11-8, 11-4, 11-9, 11-8. How did this come about?

"You will not like my answer" David tell me. "I did not like this ball at all. It is too soft, I couldn't feel contact. Plus, today, all weekend, it has done nothing but rain, very humid, very slippery air."

Keinath's responses are a mirror image. Why did he lose so badly in California and then so convincingly reverse that result today? "In West Covina, I was very tired. I did not get proper rest and was not prepared for David, he is a very special player. This time, I was better prepared. I played four matches against short pips this week. I came early. Plus, I cannot afford to lose. Flying from Germany, it only makes sense if I win. Now I am 5 and 3 with him. "

I have lots of opportunity to reflect on this as my NATT friends and I pack the tournament back into a 26 foot truck in the pouring rain that flooded New Jersey that weekend. So much of this sport is mental toughness, will-power, the willingness to overcome distractions and obstacles and simply to believe that you deserve victory. And that is a life lesson worth learning, a reason that Americans are so in love with sports. Whether you are Thomas Keinath, table tennis professional, or Cheryl Friend taking home her first table tennis trophy after months of steady training, it is the mental toughness and willpower that allows an individual to triumph. If this tournament is any indication, the 2005 STIGA North American Tour is going to have the best tour season yet!