I went with my friend who entered the US Open Tournament, held in Las Vegas, Nevada in July. It is called the Open because people come from all over the world to attend. There is even prize money, but mostly it is trophies in the different competitions. Players get rated depending on cumulative victories, and events are based on these categories. Ratings go over 2000, which means a seriously good player. I am a beginner, but like any sport, it is beautiful when done correctly.
I met and practiced with students from China, who are here attending top US universities. The Chinese hold ping pong in high regard, and a top player in their country is like a rock star here.
All of this held in the background of one of the most surreal cities in the world, Las Vegas. I often wondered which venue was the most unusual, and in its own way, artistic.
Was it the grace and motion of the players, or the people I viewed in that city? Will it turn up as a piece of art form in my future? How can we know what will stir our creative muse.
