Following are quotes by star players in the World Table Tennis Championships on Friday:

Vladimir Samsonov (Belarus) after losing to Kong Linghui (China) :

"I was really trying in the first two games -- but somehow I just couldn't win the points. At the end of the last game luck was not on my side -- I really felt ready to play more, now I must go home."

Kong Linghui (China) after beating Vladimir Samsonov:

"Samsonov's change of tactics in the third game surprised me. When he is leading he plays more aggressive, and then he is a very difficult opponent."

Lin Ling (China) after beating Kim Yun Mi (DPR Korea):

"I am happy with the victory. I started out a little nervous, but once I got used to her different style it was easy to encounter."

DPR Korean coach Lee Hyung Il after his player Kim Yun Mi's defeat:

"She should have remained calmed instead of panicking."

Wang Liqin (China) after beating Kim Taek Soo (South Korea):

"I was very well prepared mentally for this game, and I felt sure I would win. I didn't make many mistakes."

Chiang Peng-Lung (Chinese Taipei) after beating Liu Guoliang ( China):

"I realized that Liu was using fast services to make up for not being comfortable with the new large ball. After that it was a matter of getting used to it and hitting back with my backhand. In the fourth game I became too eager to finish it off."

Liu Guoliang after losing to Chiang Peng-Lung:

"It was really a pity that I couldn't profit from coming back in the fourth game. I thought I got control, but when I had 19-17 Chiang against became more aggressive. To be honest, at this World Championships I haven't been my best."

(People's Daily 05/08/2001)