USATT Insider poses 11 questions to Jenson Van Emburgh

11 Questions with Jenson Van Emburgh

1) Why do you play?

It is my favorite thing to do. I just love the atmosphere and the competition. I am also really the most happy when I am playing table tennis.

2) Which is your favorite tournament?

My favorite tournament to date was in Toronto for the Para Pan Am Games. It was very difficult competition, but a great experience for me for my future.

3) Who is your primary nemesis?

I would have to say Gabriel Copola because I have lost to him twice. He is the world ranked #6 in my class and I really want to beat him.

4) What is your favorite game tactic to score?

I like to open up from underspin to topspin on my backhand side.

5) Thoughts on the Poly Ball

I do like the poly ball except for the seamless ones. The bounce is different on the seamless and they play very different.

6) Toughest loss?

US Open final in 2104 against Eric Pattison who is class 5. Lost in the 5th game in a close match.

7) Greatest win?

My best win was this year against a French player named Stephane Gil-Martins. He was ranked 42 in the world and I defeated him in a close 5th game match.

8) How do you prepare for a tournament?

I practice with my coach and play club matches as often as possible. I try and arrive at the tournament venue a couple days ahead so I can acclimate to the tournament site and conditions as well. I try to make sure I have done everything I need to do my best.

9) When you see a new player at the club?

I would make sure and welcome them as I have been treated as such in recently joining a new club. People made sure I had someone to play with and explained to me the rules and how the club works. I will do the same for someone new at my club.

10) Player you would most like to play in a tournament?

I don't really have a certain player I would most like to play. I enjoy playing different people with different styles and try and learn something from each of them. Some styles are difficult and frustrating to play against, but I try to remember I am young and learning.

11)  If you had to face Jimmy Butler, Lily Zhang, or Kanak Jha what would your game plan be?

I would try to be the first one to attack so that I am not the one defending. I would also have to block very well if they are looping and try to play my best table tennis. I should probably ask them if they would mind playing against me in a chair :)