OOAK Table Tennis Forum

I thought I'd open a new topic on a special experience I had early in the day at the Geelong Vets. Firstly, understand that I do not subscribe to what is typically thought of as 'magical thinking'. In fact, my present stand on subjects of reason and metaphysics lies somewhere near the border of atheism, agnostic at best. Simply and crudely put, I'm not into magical or religious mumbo-jumbo.

My special experience, like all special experiences, is purely subjective and I take full responsibility for my naivety and its result of making me seem highly suggestible.

Anyway, there had been a long lull in competition for me and I was by myself in the back area of the Geelong hall. It was the area of low ceilings, not much light and often used by social players keeping out of the way of the main competition. I was sitting on the railing watching a couple of Asian children playing while a venerable Asian man was giving them instructions. I guessed they were Chinese, but I couldn't be sure because I didn't understand their language. Looking down at my feet, I noticed a ball and I picked it up with the intention of throwing it back to the kids. I held it in my hand and hesitated because they clearly had enough balls to play with and no one was signalling that they had lost a ball.

A few moments later the old Asian man turned towards me, smiled and asked if I wanted to play. I had no response at first because I felt I had nothing to do with their private coaching session except as a shy spectator, but the old guy insisted and so I followed him onto another table and started hitting balls with him.

It was weird and fantastic having a hit with him. Initially, I felt pretty intimidated because I thought he must have been some ancient coach from the far east (think: Karate Kid), but as it goes when you start striking balls (and cleanly) everything else seems to disappear, i.e. nerves, shyness, etc.

We rallied for about 10 minutes that felt like half-an-hour and I read in his generous smile that I was doing pretty well. He seemed pleased and I relieved that I wasn't wasting his time. When my name was called for the next match I apologised that I had to leave. Of course, he was fine with that and simply wanted to know my name. I gave it to him and walked away shaking my head in belief. I wondered what had just happened. It did feel special, even a little magical. I don't know who the guy was, but I suspect from an objective point of view someone here will say he was just so-and-so and my little 'special experience bubble' will deflate just a bit - just a bit.

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Weapon 1: Andro Kinetic Supreme Hinoki/Zylon OFF-; Andro Hexer HDs (FH 2.1/BH 1.9)
Weapon 2: Ross Leidy 'Smokey'; Friendship 729-5s
Club1: Daylesford - since 2010
Club2: Ballarat - since 2011
Blog: A Naked Bear

I saw them hitting around in there, but didn't have enough time to scratch myself for most the day. So I have no idea who they were either. Sounds like you got a "special" experience from the day none of the rest of us got!

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To be honest, I can't remember. Must have, got to the Div 5 final ...

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Weapon 1: Andro Kinetic Supreme Hinoki/Zylon OFF-; Andro Hexer HDs (FH 2.1/BH 1.9)
Weapon 2: Ross Leidy 'Smokey'; Friendship 729-5s
Club1: Daylesford - since 2010
Club2: Ballarat - since 2011
Blog: A Naked Bear

Nice story Oskar, now I can't wait to hear about your magical adventures in Bendigo because to me that's the most magical looking place to play, it's kind of dark and old fashioned and awesome even though it's not.... Maybe then I'll not be so busy playing and can introduce you to a couple of the legends I've met

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Thanks, foam. I really don't think I have time to get to Benders ... I checked the TTV website to see what was coming up next and - boooom - there was the Benders Vets just a week or so away. Damn! It's so close to me, too. I am seriously considering the Croydon Masters Open, though!

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Weapon 1: Andro Kinetic Supreme Hinoki/Zylon OFF-; Andro Hexer HDs (FH 2.1/BH 1.9)
Weapon 2: Ross Leidy 'Smokey'; Friendship 729-5s
Club1: Daylesford - since 2010
Club2: Ballarat - since 2011
Blog: A Naked Bear

my son had a similar experience at a tournament - he was struggling with his loop while warming up, an elderly silver-haired Chinese gent went across and gave him some advice - and his loop miraculously improved.

He came across to where I was sitting, told me what happened, and pointed out the Chinese chap - and I denied I could see him, that he must only exist in my son's head!

Hmmm, might be time to start believing in the supernatural again.

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Weapon 1: Andro Kinetic Supreme Hinoki/Zylon OFF-; Andro Hexer HDs (FH 2.1/BH 1.9)
Weapon 2: Ross Leidy 'Smokey'; Friendship 729-5s
Club1: Daylesford - since 2010
Club2: Ballarat - since 2011
Blog: A Naked Bear

or friendly help from a expert

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That's too boring, rodderz! Better think that the universe is full of these mystical beings that materialise just when you need them. Don't you think? Ooops, it's got nothing to do with thinking critically, for sure.

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Weapon 1: Andro Kinetic Supreme Hinoki/Zylon OFF-; Andro Hexer HDs (FH 2.1/BH 1.9)
Weapon 2: Ross Leidy 'Smokey'; Friendship 729-5s
Club1: Daylesford - since 2010
Club2: Ballarat - since 2011
Blog: A Naked Bear