Interview With Craig Bryant

Sussex ace Bryant reveals his addition to table tennis, his tendency to get coarse and why sometimes his game lacks punch

So Craig, how long have you been playing table tennis?      

18 years, since the age of 7

What got you started?    

My father, he played and practiced at a local club

What style of play have you got?            

Attacking 

What blade/rubbers do you use?             

Primorac Carbon with Tenergy 05 on each side 

What’s your best shot?               

Serve 

What’s your weakest shot?          

Backhand punch

You’re renowned for your great serves? What’s the secret? Where did you learn them from?        

No secret, other than I enjoy serving and was prepared to work hard and experiment with them. I also spent a lot of time watching other great servers 

You work as a Regional Coach for the ETTA. What does your job involve?         

Everything! Working with Development groups, working with Elite players within the South East Region, helping out clubs and their sessions, National Training camps, International Competitions, promoting ETTA events, coach support, the list is endless. 

Any pet peeves about the game?        

Only that table tennis doesn’t get the exposure it deserves. 

Have you got any funny stories in your table tennis career that you can relate to us?         

Many...but none suitable for this interview!! 

Who are your favourite professional players – past and present?              

My favourite player is and always will be Jan-Ove Waldner, I could watch him play all day. Of recent times I’d say my favourite player is Jun Muzitani (JPN)

What temperament have you got on the table?                 

I didn’t have the best of tempers when I was younger and I’m sure I’d have been a much better player back then if I could have controlled it. As a sportsman, I hate to lose (like any sportsman should) but it’s much more controlled. 

What do you consider your biggest achievement in the sport?      

Without doubt my biggest achievement was winning a Commonwealth Silver medal in the team event in the 2004 Championships in Malaysia, KL. 

What league(s) do you play in? How did you play last season?                

I play in the Premier British League and also in the Super Division in Belgium. I achieved around 50% in both leagues, a mix of some good and not so good performances in both leagues. 

What is your best ever win?       

I’ve never really had “the great win”, I’ve had a number of good wins, like Gareth Herbert (former England International), Kou Lei (now 150 in the world for UKR), Dmitry Davidovich (Senior European Champion, Team) 

What other sports are you interested in?              

I enjoy coarse fishing whenever I get time and also watching football but at this moment in time, table tennis is everything. Playing and coaching.

What changes would you make to make table tennis more successful in this country?        

This is a common question and much of what anyone would decide to do would be dependent upon money. If money wasn’t an obstacle then I’d love to pump money into the British League system to get some of the top players in the world over here.

Why do you like playing table tennis so much?      

The fact that every time you play you can always play a shot that you’ve never had to before. It’s such a versatile and technical sport, I’m just addicted. 

Who’s been the biggest influence on your table tennis career?       

It would have to be my father, he done everything for me. Took me everywhere, paid for everything, gave me every opportunity I could have asked for. 

Thanks for your time Craig