USATT Insider poses 11 questions to Yun Fan & Paul Shih of Portland, OR
11 Questions with Paul Shih and Yun Fan
1) Why do you play?
Yun: I need a indoor sport that is weather proof (oregon rains alot) but also is fun and good cardiovascular exercise.
Paul: I wanted to play a sport that was mentally and physically challenging, but not taxing on joints.
2) Which is your favorite tournament?
Yun: Definitely US open and US National (ok that's two, so maybe US Open).
Paul: I like US Nationals, especially last year when we switched to adults and under 18 year olds.
3) Who is your primary nemesis?
Yun: Little kids who play purely speed deadballs and flat hit. It scares me.
Paul: Good blockers.
4) What is your favorite game tactic to score?
4) What is your favorite game tactic to score?
Yun: Aim for wide angle and block or move the ball to make my opponent run.
Paul: Create opportunity with short pips on my backhand to use my forehand loop.
5) Thoughts on the Poly Ball.
5) Thoughts on the Poly Ball.
Yun: I don't find it too different from the older one probably because my style is not about heavy spin.
Paul: I switched to backhand short pips on my BH to coincide with the polyball switch to emphasize spin variation.
6) Toughest Loss?
6) Toughest Loss?
Yun: One time I flown to ICC to play their tournament. I had no warm up and just got out of the plane and went straight to the venue. I think I lost to a 800 kid.
Paul: Local Tournament, close loss at deuce on the 5th.
7) Greatest Win?
7) Greatest Win?
Yun: I beat 3-0 a short pip long pip higher rated player who I lost 1-3 at a previous event at 2015 US National at the 2nd SE for U1900.
Paul: At the recent Nationals, beat a guy with long pips!
8) How you prepare for a tournament?
Yun: Gets at least one more day of practice during the week plus add serve practice at my own garage.
Paul: Play every practice match as if it was a tournament.
9) When you see a new player at the club, what do you do?
Yun: I generally leave them alone until they become more comfortable at the environment. Then I'd approach them to play a practice game.
Paul: I like to play with all different styles and levels. I always remember when I was a noob.
10) Player you would most like to play in a tournament?
Yun: Probably a smooth forehand long pip chopper. I have yet to run into one.
Paul: At this point, any challenging player.
11) If you had to face Timothy or Crystal Wang what would your game plan be?
Yun: Go greet them and beg them for mercy. Please don't 11-0 me! :-)
Paul: Play my game, no regrets. Leave it all at the table.
Yun:
Paul:
