World No.1 Ding beats Pole with disabilities at table tennis worlds

World number one Ding Ning defeated Poland's Natalia Partyka in the women's singles second round of the Qoros 2015 World Table Tennis Championships at the Suzhou International Exhibition Center 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.

"I've played against her at the end of 2012 or at the beginning of 2013. When I first met with 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.

"I've played against her before and I feel that she improved a lot. I watched her recordings yesterday, so I won this match not only because of the differences in the competing level, but also thanks to my preparations."

The Pole is admired by many as she's not only a three-time Paralympic gold medalist, but also reaching the last 32 of the London 2012 Olympic women's table tennis.

"I won everything there (in 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 top 20, but top 40, I can try," the Pole added.

Ding was also impressed by the Polish girl's play and fighting spirits.

"Her spirit has long existed in sports world. She participated in the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games as well. She is a very good player and has a strong will." Endi