by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Just days after announcing his retirement, 44-year-old table tennis veteran Timo Boll reflected on the profound influence China and Chinese sports have had on his more than two-decade career at the top of the game.

The eight-time European champion emphasized his deep connection with China, "as I witnessed the vast development of the country over the past years."

Boll added, "I made many friends in China, and these friendships remain for a lifetime. Their hospitality, empathy, and desire for sports and humanity stamped my life."

The German discussed his next steps after retirement, which include serving as a table tennis ambassador for his club Borussia Dusseldorf, the national association, and business partners such as the German Caravan Association.

"Things will be calmer around me, but I cherish the new chapter," he said, while admitting, "there have been times I was concerned about how things go after my career ends."

He said the early days of retirement have felt positive, and that family travel - including a caravan tour in China - is already in the works.

COUNTER MODEL

"No other country had nearly a similar effect on my career and life," the three-time world No. 1 told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

Facing off against the world's best players "made me find my way, call it a counter model, to the dominance Chinese players established over decades."

"I quickly reconsidered, it's impossible to gain a similar physical dominance, and I went for the more tactical, technical, and mental improvements," he said.

Boll spoke about incremental progress, even by millimeters, as he tried to close the gap with his Chinese rivals. "It gave me motivation and joy that a boy from the Odenwald region managed to give my Chinese competitors and friends something to think about."

He said competing with Chinese stars was a major source of motivation. "I used the opportunity to add some parts of their game to mine, and I guess in some ways it was the other way around."

SECOND HOME CHINA

China has become "'my second home.' I suppose only a few people have witnessed the country's development as closely as I have, since I frequently visit China, often including private meetings with friends."

Playing for Chinese clubs and teaming up in doubles with Chinese players gave him a unique perspective on local culture and values.

"My big dream is to tour the country in a camper as I fancy travelling like that."

HIS WAY

Though he never earned an Olympic singles medal, Boll said, "I cherish the moments of team success." He recalled winning his first Olympic medal as "the maybe most emotional moment of my career," despite losing the final to China.

"I remember my tears and now can say, I might have played my best in team events."

Fair play, respect for staff, and regard for opponents have always mattered more to him than medals.

"At the start of my career, at an early age, I hoped to make it into the first German league and survive. Now I see it took me that far."

He never sought the spotlight, saying, "I just loved the sport and people's interest in it."

"I recently investigated all my competition accreditations and remembered countless precious experiences."

YEARS AWAY FROM HOME

"I had years with 300 days of travelling and 115 competition days."

Boll recalled how his wife would meet him at the airport with a fresh suitcase of gear. "I gave her my old stuff and went for the next plane."

He said he now looks forward to more time with family and to finally trying sports he had to avoid during his career, including skiing, golf, and paddling.

COMING UP

Reconnecting with Chinese friends is high on his post-retirement agenda, along with "helping to give my friend Fan Zhendong a good time in Germany."

The 28-year-old three-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion is set to join Saarbrucken, a German first-division and Champions League team, for the upcoming club season.

"I am waiting for him to call, setting up some tours between his game days. I remember the intense care I received in China, and I feel great appreciation doing the same for him." ■