Interview with Kaori Saijo - Part 1
Click here to read Part 2 of this interview

This interview with Kaori Saijo was conducted via email between 20th and the 25th May 2005. I have changed very little of Kaori's responses except for making a few minor points clearer.

Kaori joined London Progress from Japan in the middle of last season. She played an integral part of the West Middlesex Division 1 team along with Joseph Mensah and Egle Adomelyte. A reflection of her success as part of that team was her recent collection of a number of medals at the West Middlesex Presentation ceremony on the 14th May 2005.

There is no one more humble than Kaori. She is an excellent role model for our upcoming youngsters.

Tony: How old you were when you started playing?
Kaori: When I was 8, I started to play table tennis seriously and started to take part in table tennis competitions.

Tony: In which other countries have you played?
Kaori: Japan

Tony: What major obstacles, if any, have you had to overcome to play table-tennis?
Kaori: To control myself

Tony: On what occasion did you first realised that you had Table Tennis talent?
Kaori: I have no talent at all.

Tony: How has table tennis influenced your outlook if at all?
Kaori: Table tennis is a part of my life; therefore, I can't separate from table tennis.

Tony: Is the way you play table tennis a reflection of you character?
Kaori: Considering about some tactics. (Life, relationships, etc...)

Tony: Who is/was your greatest opponent?
Kaori: Myself

Tony: Can you recall the times you were "in the zone" and everything went perfectly without effort in a game?
Kaori: When I was 15, our team became Japanese junior high school champions. At the time, I was expected to become the champion. I remember that I was really confident about my skill and tactics.

Read Part 2 of this interview
Read what advice Kaori has to give aspiring players

Coming soon - An interview with Marco Essomba and another with Egle Adomelyte!