Jieni Shao
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Portugal
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Portugal
It takes a lot of courage to move from one country to another. Add in a completely different language and the transition becomes even more impressive. Shao Jieni is an international table tennis star who was born in China but moved to Portugal when she was just sixteen. Now, she represents Portugal on the world stage and is proud of her adoptive home. Jieni has shown remarkable prowess in the sport of table tennis. She has a powerful grip and as a left-handed player, can dominate play and keep her opponents constantly guessing. Keep reading to learn more about what Shao Jieni has accomplished and what could be on the horizon for her.
Quick Facts
Biography
Shao Jieni was born on January 24, 1994, in Anshan, China. Like most children, she was quickly interested in the sport of table tennis. China is home to a record number of professional and amateur table tennis players with numerous training facilities spread out across the country.
Jieni benefitted greatly from the expertise that surrounded her. She was able to begin her professional career in China which is impressive given the broad field of players. The fact she was able to excel surrounded by so many table tennis players is a feat to be celebrated on her own.
Even though Shao Jieni only spoke Mandarin, she moved with her family to Gondomar, Portugal in 2010, when she was just sixteen. Not knowing Portuguese or English was a major hurdle but like so many things in life, Jieni was able to start practicing and embrace the Portuguese culture. In 2015, she became a Portuguese national, proving she is committed to her new country and is there to stay.
Sometimes, when we read biographies about impressive athletes, we can become intimidated by all the resources they are exposed to. The beauty of table tennis, however, is that you don’t need much to get started.
A proper playing area is a must but there are a few options for this. If you have the space, you might want to check out our list of the best table tennis nets. It includes affordable options that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
If you are short on space or want an option to bring with you on your travels, you can also check out this review of the best retractable ping pong nets. They are small enough to fit inside a backpack and very easy to set up.
Career
Despite her young age, Jieni Shao has an impressive list of accomplishments. As she enters her thirties, which is when most table tennis players peak, it won’t be surprising if we see her at her very best.
From the mid-hundreds in 2018 to the sixties during 2021, Shao continues to learn from herself and her competitors by climbing the rankings list.
Olympics
Reaching the Olympics is the pinnacle for most athletes and in 2016, at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Shao accomplished that dream. She competed for Portugal in the Women’s Singles event but ultimately lost in the second round to American Lily Zhang.
Notable Achievements
Jieni Shao has competed in many ITTF Tours. Here are a few highlights of her playing:
- 2015 – Won Gold at the Nigeria Open in Women’s Singles
- 2015 – Won Gold at the Nigeria Open in Women’s Doubles
- 2016 – Won Gold at the Nigeria Open in Women’s Singles
- 2019 – Won Gold in the Indonesia Open in Women’s Singles
- 2019 – Won Gold in the Indonesia Open in Women’s Doubles
Playing Style
Around the world, only around 10 percent of the population is left-handed. In sports, being left-handed is a major advantage. Most people are right-handed and will practice against right-handed people, so when you come across a left-handed person, it can be a bit discombobulating at first.
Being left-handed is considered a major advantage in almost all sports, including table tennis. It is much easier for a left-handed player to find a right-handed person to play with so you can easily hone your skills for tournament play. Interestingly, though, when you reach the professional level of table tennis, the number of left-handed players is disproportionate to the rest of the world. Up to 40 percent of elite table tennis players are indeed left-handed.
Jieni Shao is one of these left-handed players and her playing ability has a distinct advantage to it. She can position both strikes and backhands in different locations and has more dexterity in her hand because of her opponents.
If you are right-handed and want to experience playing against a left-handed player, you might want to consider this compilation of the best ping pong robots. They can be specially programmed for different playing styles and are a great option if you don’t have many people to play against.
Like most players, Shao uses a shakehand grip, which is a traditional style. It is similar to holding a tennis racket and allows you easy mobility and quick reflexes.
Social Media
Unfortunately, while the world would love to have a more personal look at Jieni Shao, she does not have any social media profiles, including Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. However, there are many organizations, such as World Table Tennis that have social media feeds and have tagged Shao. Simply search for the hashtag #jienishao to see video clips and news updates about this rising star.
While fans appreciate it when athletes have social media accounts, it is understandable why more athletes are turning away from them. It can be overwhelming to have a barrage of comments and messages after a match, especially if you didn’t do as well as you would like. More athletes are limiting their social media exposure for mental health issues, and while fans may be disappointed, this seems to be the way more people are going.
Videos
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to understand hard work and dedication. It may be hours of daily practice and a commitment to a sport. It may also be moving to a country where you know nothing of the language. In the case of Jieni Shao, both these experiences have proven how remarkable she is. By continuing to battle international opponents and proving again and again how capable she is, Jieni Shao is an amazing table tennis star. This left-handed player continues to delight fans with her strong shakehand and deftness in keeping her opponents off-balance. Let’s hope we see even more of her in future years.