As dawn breaks over the Danube in Belgrade, Serbia, Table Tennis is the talk of the town. The sports hall was a solid venue for the 200+ players from 20 countries who competed on the 8 tables over 5 days. Belgrade is bidding for the 1999 World Championships. The performances by Serbians Gruic (photo by Dosan Bobovic) and Karakasavic did not hurt their chances. The Swedes and Chinese both sent 7 man contingents. Only one Chinese, Ma Lin, made it into the 1/4 finals while three Swedes advanced. J-O Waldner, Thomas Von Sheele, and the future of Swedish TT, Magnus Molin. J-O prevailed in the end. (see results at ITTF.com)

I was greatly assisted by Dragica Kovac, a top International Umpire who speaks, fluent Russian, Serbian, German, Greek, Italian, and of course, English.

Belgrade is a montage of contrasting images. From the Western influence of a pizza place, to the Soviet influence of block housing. From stunning displays of flowers to staggering mounds of vegetables. Cyrllic signs flourished, leaving me feeling I was in a strange world while softer images made me feel at home.

I say thank you to Jugoslavia and hope they find better and happier times in the near future.

NOTE - Over the last weeks, I have heard that the Serbian Communist leader has rejected the vote of the people for freedom from his particular rule. tens of thousands have taken to the streets near where I stayed. May you all be safe from harm as you voice your feelings. Homepage - SiteMap