Lin Gaoyuan
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China
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China
Lin Gaoyuan is one of the most successful table tennis players in the world. He has been rated second in the world and has picked up some gold medals as part of a team. He has his own style as a left-handed backhander, which is swift attacking and playing downward strokes. He is a Chinese player, about whose personal life little is known, but we’re here to give you the basics and be inspired by this phenomenal athlete. Lin Gaoyuan was the Asian Cup Champion in 2017 and was a member of the table tennis teams that won gold medals for the 2018 Team World Cup and the 2018 Team World Championships. However, he didn’t do quite as well in the 2021 Chinese Olympic Scrimmages, losing to Fan Zhendong in the quarter-finals of the second leg of the Scrimmages.
Quick Facts
Biography
Lin Gaoyuan was born on March 19, 1995, in Bao-an District, Shenzen, Guangdong Province, the People’s Republic of China. His nickname is the Dark Knight. He began playing table tennis at the age of four and started training at age five .
Not much is known about him, apart from the fact that he is one of the richest table tennis players in the world, being worth between US$ 1 million and US$4 million. He gets a salary of about US$50,000. Nothing is known about his family life, and perhaps that’s part of what makes this athlete so interesting. Is he dating anyone? There is a rumor that he has a secret girlfriend, but nothing confirmed at the moment. He does seem to own a house, but this athlete does manage to stay out of the usual limelight that many sportsmen and women find exhausting.
Another interesting item to note whenever one talks about this guy is that he is extremely fit. Did you know that table tennis exercises over 80% of all your muscles, and demands full brain activity? So the assumption that a tennis player like Lin is intelligent is not unreasonable.
Career
The following is a summary of Lin Gaoyuan’s most notable achievements in table tennis throughout his adult life.
Singles
- World Championships: Last 16 2017, Quarter Finals 2019, 2021
- World Cup: QF 2017, Bronze medalist 2018
- ITTF World Tour Grand Finals: Semi-Finals 2017; Runner-up 2018
- ITTF World Tour:
- Winner: 2017 Austrian Open
- Winner: 2019 Hungarian Open
- Winner: 2019 Hong Kong Open
- Asian Championships: QF 2017, Runner-up 2019
- Asian Cup: Winner 2017; Runner-up 2018
Doubles
- World Championships: Semi-Finals 2019, Semi-Finals 2021, 2021
- ITTF World Tour
- Winner: 2011 Japan Open, 2014 Kuwait Open, 2019 Hong Kong Open
- Asian Championships: Winner 2017, 2019
Mixed doubles
World Championships: Semi-finals 2021
Team events
- World Team Championships: Winner 2018
- Team World Cup: Winner 2018, 2019
Game Style
His forehand is also very rapid, and he always faces his opponent in a diagonal direction. Lin’s major advantage is the reverse pendulum swerve.
The table tennis Lin Gaoyuan plays is fairly unique. He is known for his fast-attacking lefthanders. His stable flick attacks are all done close to the table. Lin uses the Chiquita return, which means that he returns the ball with a backhander, and spins the ball at the same time. He uses the shake-hand grip, and finishes his stroke by pushing the racket downwards.
Advice for Aspiring Players
If you’re looking to play table tennis in the future, you might do well to watch Lin Gaoyuan’s style on YouTube. Then try to copy his powerful backhand stroke that comes down from the shoulder. Learn to spin , and use exceptionally rapid forearm strokes. The other piece of advice is to start playing from a very young age.
Why not begin your journey with a ping pong paddle for intermediate players? Just make sure the handle is right for your hand and your dominance, and that the rubber is sturdily glued to the blade. Once you’re up to speed you could try a more professional blade. For table tennis shoes, look for the best table tennis shoes you can find. You must be able to move around and change direction without slipping or dragging. They will give you the edge you need for the high level of side-to-side movement.
Lin Gaoyuan Equipment
Videos
Final Thoughts
Lin Gaoyuan is definitely on the list of the most successful table tennis player of all time. He may not have reached the world number one ranking in individual competitions, but he’s said to be excellent in the doubles and mixed doubles. He reaches shots no one else seems to be able to. Since he started playing ping pong at such a young age, he definitely has an advantage over a number of other players. Some of you may wish to follow in his footsteps, and you can’t do better than getting one of the top blades. You may have to practice many hours the day, but you can certainly grow your skill through repetition. Will you beat players like Lin one day?