German paddler regains top table tennis ranking after eight years

Modesty and pragmatism have always been Timo Boll's trademark. But Europe's top-ranked paddler is also a player who has tremendous fighting spirit and true grit.

Timo Boll's biggest dream is the singles title at the 2012 London Olympics. Liu Zhe / For China Daily

In January 2003, Boll, from Germany, was the new sensation in table tennis circles after he won the top ranking in the world by outclassing several top Chinese players.

Boll says that the top ranking in 2003 was not something that he was ready for. But for the European public, Boll had all the hallmarks of being a great paddling champion like the Swedish legend Jan-Ove Waldner.

Boll admits that the high-pressure situation was something that he was prepared for. Loss of form, injuries, defeats and inability to win major championships soon started to plague him.

Much water has since flown under the bridge and a confidant Boll is not only back to his winning ways, but rediscovered the passion and hunger to stay a champion.

What makes Boll's success really unique is splendid isolation in a sport dominated by China. By recapturing the top slot, the 30-year-old Boll has dented China's 88-month hold on the crown and opened up windows of opportunity for other European paddlers.

Boll exudes confidence when he says that he is a much better player now than eight years ago and fancies his chances of winning a gold medal at the London Olympics.

"I had always believed that the Chinese table tennis players were much better than me. There were times when I felt that I didn't deserve to be No 1, although I had won the World Cup and European Championships," Boll says.

"Everything was so new then. My opponents were still my idols in a small way."

Hard work and self-belief is what keeps Boll ticking. "I have the feeling and desire to be the best player in the world. It's not like I just play more than the others to win more points. I don't play too much now. But I can play consistently on a very high level," he says.

"I think the chance (to win in the Olympics) is better than ever. Since each nation will have only two participants at the Olympics, I will have only two Chinese opponents to contend with."

In 2002, Boll achieved instant popularity after winning the World Cup by defeating world and Olympic champion Kong Linghui of China in the final. That victory also catapulted him to the top rankings in table tennis.

At that time, Waldner, who was the first player to win the World Cup, World Championship and Olympics singles titles, was still considered the best European player.