Table tennis saga continues with coach Liu getting more support
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 14 May 2009 2219 hrs
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 Liu Guodong (2nd from right) at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. | |||||||||||
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SINGAPORE: Singapore's Chef-de-Mission for the 2008 Olympic is the latest to join the table tennis coach saga.
Dr Tan Eng Liang supports coach Liu Guodong in asking for an explanation from the Singapore Table Tennis Association on remarks made about his professionalism.
Liu Guodong landed at Changi airport early Thursday morning and the media was there waiting for him.
Mr Liu said: "She just needs to apologise. I will not ask for trouble. She just needs to clarify her remarks. I have feelings for Singapore."
The apology Liu is looking for is from Madam Lee Bee Wah, president of the Singapore Table Tennis Association. The association had questioned his professionalism and integrity in not nominating him for the Coach of the Year Award.
Now the coach has the support of Dr Tan Eng Liang, who had worked closely with him prior to the Beijing Games. Dr Tan does not doubt Liu's professionalism as he had delivered the silver medal for Singapore.
He gave an example that if performance takes up 80 per cent, that alone should qualify Liu for the award. He added that the association should withdraw the statement if they are unable to substantiate it.
The STTA could not be reached for comment, but Liu told the media he plans to meet the association's president over the next few days. And if he does not get a clarification, he would consider taking legal action.
A less confrontational approach is something that some are hoping for.
Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Community Development, Youth & Sports Ministry, said: "If possible, they could settle amicably and in time to come, move on for the sake of sports and the sake of table tennis too."
Liu is also in Singapore to meet up with his current employers, the Indonesian Table Tennis Association. - CNA/vm
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