Japan´s Fukuhara smiles at loss to defending champion

Source: Xinhua | 08-21-2008 13:25

BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Ai Fukuhara wore a big smile after being knocked out of the Olympic women's singles table tennis competition, contrary to her usual tendency to turn on the waterworks over defeat.

"I played very well today and I'm very satified. I demonstarted everything I learned in the training, so I give myself 90 points (out of 100)," the 19-year-old said, her eyes twinkling with joy.

Ai Fukuhara of Japan returns the ball to Zhang Yining of China  during their match in women's singles fourth round of Beijing  2008 Olympic Games table tennis event in Beijing, China, Aug.  21, 2008. Zhang Yining beat Ai Fukuhara 4-1. (Xinhua)

China's Zhang Yining, who won singles and doubles gold medals at the Athens Games, beat Fukuhara 4-1 in the 1/8 round.