![]() ![]() ![]() Murphy is also grateful for the boost to his sport’s profile back in Australia. That’s a huge part – that belief factor.” “That comes out here at the Olympic Games when you go out to play a European champion, a multiple European champion – it shows the next generation of Australian players that it is possible to compete at the highest level. “The biggest thing she brings for Australia is her belief that she can win on the biggest stage,” he says. Head coach Murphy says he is grateful for the experience Lay brings to the team. “But the second time I will know the things I will need to do.” With Germany and Australia facing off in the team’s competition on Sunday, a rematch may be on the cards. The second match I was still thinking a little bit. “The umpire gave the point to the German player,” says Lay, still evidently disappointed by the call. ![]() It was heartbreak for Lay, who was 5-0 up at one stage the first set, but suffered from a controversial referee’s decision with the first set evenly balanced following a fight-back from her opponent. Lay then beat Poland’s Qian Li to progress to the third round – equalling her best Olympic individual performance.īut Lay’s dream run would end on Tuesday, losing four sets to zero to three-time European champion and Rio 2016 silver medallist Han Ying of Germany. She beat Cuba’s Daniela Fonseca in qualifying, before triumphing over Italy’s Debora Vivarelli in the first round. Lay, ranked 156th in the world – Australia’s highest-ranked player – had a successful start to her Tokyo campaign. Jian Fang Lay of Australia fists bumps her coach during her round two match in Tokyo. “She was prepared and ready, even on the late notice.” “It just shows how professional Jian is,” he says. “When I heard I got on the team, I was very excited.”īut Australia’s table tennis head coach John Murphy speaks glowingly of Lay’s willingness to accept the last-minute roster spot. Lay says she was untroubled by her late addition. Lay was a late call-up to the Tokyo Games following the withdrawal of Stephanie Sang. “He gives me all the support – takes annual leave from work, so he can look after our children while I’m away competing,” she said in 2017. She has spent much of the subsequent two and a half decades trotting the globe representing Australia in Oceania Championships, World Championships, Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.Ī mother of two, Lay has spoken of her gratitude to her husband, Jorge Lay, for his support as she represented Australia. It means a lot.”īorn in China, Lay moved to Melbourne in 1994 and soon became one of Australia’s best table tennis players. I’m very grateful for Australia’s support – all the messages, go go go. “I’m now afraid to go out,” laughs Lay when asked about her new-found fame back home. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |