Paddler Ding beats Pole with disabilities at World Table Tennis Championships

Ding Ning

Suzhou (China), April 29 (IANS)

World No.1 Ding Ning defeated Poland's Natalia Partyka in the women's singles second round of the World Table Tennis Championships at the Suzhou International Exhibition Center here on Wednesday. Partyka, born without a right hand and forearm, participates in competitions for able-bodied athletes as well as in competitions for athletes with disabilities, reports Xinhua.

"When I first met her, I was not feeling at ease. But now I will not focus on her body, but on remembering the strategy and her changes," Chinese Ding said after the comfortable 4-0 win.

"She has improved a lot. I watched her recordings. I won this match not only because of the differences in the competing level, but also thanks to my preparations."

Partyka wanted a new challenge

The Pole is admired by many as she's not only a three-time Paralympic gold medallist, but also reached the last 32 of the 2012 London Olympics.

"I won everything there (Paralympics). That's why I want to play with able-bodied (athletes). Here it's more difficult. It's different table tennis, many good players and they are playing much better so I know that I have to improve my game a lot," Partyka said.

"I want to compete on the similar level with the best players in the world. Maybe I cannot achieve top-10 or 20, but top 40, I can try."

Ding was also impressed by the Polish girl's fighting spirit

"Her spirit has long existed in sports world. She participated in the Olympics and Paralympics as well. She is a very good player and has a strong will."