Table Tennis: Ni, 51, bows out in grace

Ni Xialian, the oldest women player at 51, bowed out of the world table tennis championships on Wednesday with her head held high, saying "a bit extra strength" would have sent her farther.

"I might have won this game if I'd had a bit extra strength left," said Luxembourg's most famous athlete after losing 4-2 in her second round game against Hong Kong player Jiang Huajun.

"Jiayou (Go)! Ni Xialian," The crowd cheered on the former Chinese world champion at the clutch moments or when she was down with points.

"Look, they still remember me," said Ni. "I am so touched and happy."

Ni joined the Shanghai team in 1978 and made it to the national team next year. As a member of the champion team in the 1883 worlds, she also took the mixed doubles gold with Guo Yuehua and a doubles bronze with Cao Yanhua.

Ni moved to Germany in 1989 and settled down in Luxembourg two years later. Her husband, Tommy Danielsson, is her coach and training partner.

Danielsson held a smiling Ni in his arms after she lost in the second round, whispering encouragement in her ear.

"We usually speak English. He can speak a little Chinese including words like 'Lao Gong' and 'Lao Po," said Ni, referring to an intimate way to call husband and wife.

Danielsson said his wife had a bigger goal as a player and Ni couldn't agree more.

"I am here to treat people with some wonderful shots and help Luxembourg players to grow," said Ni. "Anything else doesn't matter."

"I don't care about champions or medals," she added.

Ni, 66 days short of her 52 birthday, is the backbone of the three-player Luxembourg team. She played in mixed doubles, women's doubles and singles.

Unlike Spain's former Chinese He Zhiwen, the oldest player at 52 who flew home after losing his singles game, Ni will stay to watch the championship finals on Sunday.

"My competition is over and now it's time to enjoy watching the game," she said.

Ni plays a traditional Chinese fast-attacking game, using a penhold grip and applies pimpled rubber on her racket, which can produce drop shots and unpredictable spin.

With the unique style, Ni had dominated European table tennis for a decade since she reached the last 16 in the 2000 Olympics at the age of 37.

Ni took her first European singles title at 39, reached the third round in the 2008 Olympics and sensationally lost to 16-year-old Ariel Hsing from the United States in the second round of the 2012 Olympics.

Ni doesn't mind being called "table tennis antique".

"Yes, that's who I am," she said, proud and beaming.

"My game tactics remains 20 years ago," she explained. "I habitually turned the body and attacked when I thought a chance came, leaving a huge opening in my forehand space.

"I was taught that way of playing as a kid and it is in my blood. I can't change that."

Ni and Danielsson run a hotel in Luxembourg and they turn it to an interim manager when they are away for competition.

"My life is ordinary, but I want to do something extraordinary," said Ni. "Competing in the world championships at such an old age is one of them." Endi