Perhaps I should give DTecs another go

What impact did ITTF decisions (like the 38mm ball) have on top level table tennis, and what influence do you think the new PVC balls will have (in particular for defenders and defensive style)?

The decision can benefit some players while hindering others. The players are somewhat weary because they have to make adjustments (in response to the frequent changes in the rules). Also, the PVC ball doesn't spin very well. Again, it's likely that the new ball will be a hinderance for long pip users.

You feel the EJ bug biting again, don't you, DA?

Was anyone else surprised to read this:

I've never heard of anyone changing rubber depending on the table being played on!

Thanks for all the "thank you" messages and appreciation!

Steven and I are working on a thank you note to Joo SaeHyuk and to Roy Yun. We will do this on behalf of the forum and provide the link to the interview (and the reactions). We will also invite Joo SaeHyuk to join the forum!

Justas,
About the idea of a follow-up... Steven and I are not sure if it would be desirable to add any more questions through email conversation for Joo. Compared to other interviews we've seen on the web, our interview of Joo was rather long, and he was so gracious and patient in answering everything. We would think that it would be ideal if he joined our forum, that way we could ask him lots more questions. But maybe that's too much wishful thinking...

Justas,
About the idea of a follow-up... Steven and I are not sure if it would be desirable to add any more questions through email conversation for Joo. Compared to other interviews we've seen on the web, our interview of Joo was rather long, and he was so gracious and patient in answering everything. We would think that it would be ideal if he joined our forum, that way we could ask him lots more questions. But maybe that's too much wishful thinking...

He might want to join our forum, but I think the problem is the language. He speaks a little English, but not a lot. Maybe we should start a Korean section?

*Based on your experience, due to the changes in the equipment rules, how would you advise a youngster now starting the game who wants to be a defender? Would you suggest that they play with long pips, or should they turn to double inverted and attacking play? Would your answer be different depending on what standard of play they were aiming to achieve?

It's very challenging to be a defensive player. In order to win, you need to practice both offense and defense. It's really difficult to win with defense alone, so it's necessary to play offense - not just offense, but at the same level that the offensive players perform. Moreover, my guess is that long pips will be less beneficial when the ball changes to plastic in 2014. I've used it, and found that much less spin is produced.

*What impact did ITTF decisions (like the 38mm ball) have on top level table tennis, and what influence do you think the new PVC balls will have (in particular for defenders and defensive style)?

The decision can benefit some players while hindering others. The players are somewhat weary because they have to make adjustments (in response to the frequent changes in the rules). Also, the PVC ball doesn't spin very well. Again, it's likely that the new ball will be a hinderance for long pip users.

I have been wondering this before: would the upcoming ball change be the reason why there are some short pips choppers appearing on the scene lately? Would the ball change be less detrimental for short pip players?

I suppose it is less detrimental for SP choppers because they can impart a great deal of spin themselves. But the creation of a SP chopper is started some 10/15 years ago. Then there was no sign of the arrival of the new polyball.

A few things that come to my mind:

1) If the new ball is less spinny, it will also be harder for SP choppers to create their own spin (?)

2) Creation of SP choppers is started some 10/15 years ago when indeed there was no sign of polyballs. However when we go 10/15 years back, we are close to the introduction of the 40mm ball in 2000. Maybe the combination of a slower and less spinny game benefits SP chopping (?)

3) At the same time, LP chopping seems to be flourishing the last couple of years, with quite some LP top 100 players and with Joo Saehyuk even ranked number 5 some months ago. I don't know what the situation was 10 or even 20 years ago (?)