OOAK Table Tennis Forum

Adham

There's a rumour floating around about the ITTF's connections with a 'gambling business' BWIN and that all the rights to broadcast major table tennis tournaments through the internet have now been "sold" to BWIN.

Can you advice if there's any truth to this, and what (if any) implication there would be on getting the events streamed through the internet?

Thank you!

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It has been a long time tradition to have this back-number as an identification of the player for the spectators in the hall. Usually the number on the back would correspond to the name in the event programme. Because of the existing space many organizers sold this space to sponsors, this is still the case. At the Olympic Games where there are no event sponsors, then back numbers are not used, instead the player's name is printed on the back. When all the sponsorship contracts on this space run out, then we will impelment the same as at the Olympic Games.

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Adham Sharara

The current number is the world ranking of the player.

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Adham Sharara

The SB rubber is still valid till 30 June 2009. Please get your facts correct. It has been on list 29 (valid as of 1 April 2008) and 29B. List 29B expires on 30 June. SB is no longer authorized as of list 30, which is valid from 1 April 2009 to 31 December 2009. Note that we have a 3 month overlap on lists.

If you think the ITTF acted illegally, then you are wrong. The ITTF has acted legally and totally within its rights. It is the ITTF's right to authorize the use of its logo to manufacturers based on the ITTF's own criteria and its own rules.

The ITTF would actually "lose" money for not providing authorization. The ITTF is paid a yearly flat fee for each authorization, so in the case of SB the ITTF lost that income, but that is not the point. The ITTF does not act based on the income it will make for authorizations. The ITTF must implement its own rules. It does happen that some racket coverings are vaild and meet ITTF rules, and then they are not when tested at a later date. It also happens that a manufacturer may not submit its equipment for authorization.

I am sorry you lost 35 Euros.

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Adham Sharara

There is no blame on anyone. Unfortunately this racket covering no longer meets the ITTF's specifications. This happens and I am very sorry for your frustration.

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Adham Sharara

The rumour is not correct, the ITTF owns its own rights for all its events and will continue to show them on itTV free of charge for as long as we can afford it. The more people watch itTV the more we can gather statistics and sell the advertising at a higher price. Our commitment is to show on itTV all of our events free of charge in 2009. I hope we can do the same in 2010 and beyond.

I hope you enjoyed the Japan Open that just concluded today. All finals (as well as many other matches) are available on itTV (http://www.ittf.com)

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Adham Sharara

Thank you for setting the record straight, and I'm very pleased to hear this! I think this has been a major step forwards for the ITTF, and they deserve full credit for this!

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Unfortunately the public don't have access to all the fact about this, so our assumptions are based only the information we do have.

According to the TTmaster, who posted some of the communication between themselves and the equipment committee, they were notified of the problem that was found with their rubbers, but the equipment comittee could not provide any details of the measurements, nor could they provide information about the equipment or procedure, to enable TTMaster to check the claims themselves and ensure this issue would not arise in future.

Now that the court case is concluded, can you provide any further information on this case?

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OOAK Table Tennis Shop | Re-Impact Blades | Butterfly Table Tennis bats
Setup1: Re-Impact Smart, Viper OX, Victas VS 401 Setup2: Re-Impact Barath, Dtecs OX, TSP Triple Spin Chop 1.0mm Setup3: Re-Impact Dark Knight, Hellfire OX, 999 Turbo
Recent Articles: Butterfly Tenergy Alternatives | Tenergy Rubbers Compared | Re-Impact User Guide

In fairness to TT-Master, I cannot comment on the court case. All I can say is that TT-Master withdrew the complaint and the ITTF appreciates this gesture. TT-Master will not re-introduce for authorization the 2 racket coverings that will expire on 30 June 2009. The only point that I can add is that TT-Master does not agree with the methods used by the ITTF to test the rubbers. This is their prerogative and I respect their opinion. However, the ITTF methods are not arbitrary and will continue to be used. TT-Master and the ITTF hope to cooperate to avoid any such issues in the future.

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Adham Sharara

Thanks you for the extra information Adham!

I think it would be great if the testing methods and equipment were totally transparent and made publicly (or at least fully disclosed to the manufacturer). This would prevent future disputes and would allow manufacturers to do their own testing to ensures all their batches comply with the ITTF requirements for approval.

_________________
OOAK Table Tennis Shop | Re-Impact Blades | Butterfly Table Tennis bats
Setup1: Re-Impact Smart, Viper OX, Victas VS 401 Setup2: Re-Impact Barath, Dtecs OX, TSP Triple Spin Chop 1.0mm Setup3: Re-Impact Dark Knight, Hellfire OX, 999 Turbo
Recent Articles: Butterfly Tenergy Alternatives | Tenergy Rubbers Compared | Re-Impact User Guide

Yes, this is exactly what we are in the process of doing.

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Adham Sharara

wouldn't it be better to get rid of the bibs and just introduce a law where the shirt must have the persons name on the back clear for all to see, including TV coverage? this would get rid of any delays when say a player forgets his bib (it has happened) or when they have to change shirts because of heat/sweat

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aka Craig

Set Up: Butterfly Balsa Carbo X5 Stiga Calibra LT Sound and Butterfly Tenergy 05FX

As I said: When all the sponsorship contracts on this space run out, then we will implement the same system as at the Olympic Games (as you mentioned).

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Adham Sharara

Very pleased to hear this, great news!

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OOAK Table Tennis Shop | Re-Impact Blades | Butterfly Table Tennis bats
Setup1: Re-Impact Smart, Viper OX, Victas VS 401 Setup2: Re-Impact Barath, Dtecs OX, TSP Triple Spin Chop 1.0mm Setup3: Re-Impact Dark Knight, Hellfire OX, 999 Turbo
Recent Articles: Butterfly Tenergy Alternatives | Tenergy Rubbers Compared | Re-Impact User Guide

itTV is a really good move, I have got into the habit of checking whenever there is an event. There were a lot of choppers in the Japan Open, so it was great to watch.

However it needs commentary!
Do you think in general commentary should be technical in nature, or more `popular'?

I believe the beauty in table tennis is in the details - at least this is what makes it attractive to me, subtle changes in technique, pace and spin with disguised serves, topspins, chops etc. I think table tennis needs good educated commentary with good explanation of what is going on to attract new fans. For instance the translations here http://home.covad.net/~chunglau/ttindex.htm of a Chinese TT magazine are a joy to read because they cover more than the trivialities such as mental approach and discussion of styles and tactics. We need more of this in English!