Q&A

Here are the 9 questions that I am most frequently asked - and of course the answers.
Want to know more? Just ask – maybe you will get an answer ☺

1. When did you start playing table tennis?

I started playing table tennis when I was 7 years old at the local table tennis club in Fakse, Denmark, where I was born. Then I went to the table tennis club KVIK in Næstved, Denmark, and as it turned out I had talent. I was chosen for the Danish National Team and played all the big youth Championships.

When I was 16 years old, I moved to Düsseldorf in Germany to play professionally.

If you want to know more about my life and career – and understand Danish - you can watch the Documentary made about me by The Danish Broadcasting Corporation: “Maze Retur” (“The Return of Maze”).

http://www.dr.dk/Sporten/Oevrig_sport/2007/05/18/220151.htm#

2. What’s your best match ever?

It is actually quite difficult to pick one match, because in general I love all the matches that I win ☺ and in fact also some of the matches that I loose.

If I MUST single out one match as my best, I think it has to be the last sixteen against Wang Hao in the World Championship 2005, China. This was an important match towards the bronze medal I won.

The Chinese have great love and respect for the game and as you can hear they are the greatest crowd!  Here are some of the highlights of the game – with a Chinese commentator also. I love it!

PS: I particularly like the points to 5-8 and 10-12.

3. Who inspires you?

I will have to say my former coach Peter Sartz. Both professionally and personally, Peter has been an inspiration to me. He knows how to create a good dialogue and also know when to stop it! That has been a great help to in learning to use my temper in a positive way.

4. Can I have your autograph?

Yes, if you meet me, I usually take time to sign autographs - except when I am really busy or in a bad mood. I am not good at loosing.

You can download a signed poster here.

5. Who is your favourite table tennis player?

It is – and has always been Jan-Ove Waldner. He has an extremely good sense of the ball and his game is always new – even though he is a bit older than me. He played his first European Championship Final when he was 16. That is just exceptional!!

He is a sympathetic character and he has been a great inspiration for me though the years. I have learned a lot from him. He is the greatest legend in table tennis.

6. How much do you train?

I train twice a day. I get up and have breakfast and train for two hours. Then it’s time for massage, lunch and a rest. In the afternoon I also train for two hours.

I do match training, but also weight training to build up strength – especially before the big championships.

It is important to train, but also not overdo it. You have to get a feeling for quality, when you train. It’s the art of listening to your body without being lazy.

7. What are your special strengths as a table tennis player?

I will have to say my forehand, serve and returning.
And I can improve my hold game so I am always trying to learn new things in order to advance my play.

8. Do you have a girlfriend?

Yes I do….and that’s all I have to say about that  ☺

9. What is the ultimate future goal?

To be World Champion, Olympic Champion or/and European Champion

Ever since I was a young boy and played table tennis at the youth centre, I have dreamed of this.

And I still do!

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