Name: T. P. Lee
USATT rating: None
Birthday: 7-15-1939
City/country of origin: Born in Shanghai, China. Moved to Taiwan in April, 1949.
Personal History :
Ph.D. (Physical Chemistry), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Wife, Suping, an accountant, also retired from Duke Power Company.
Two sons, both play table tennis, but not seriously.
Other hobbies: Swimming
Currently/formerly employed with: Retired from Duke Power Company
TT accomplishments: T. P. Lee is one of the three original founders of the Charlotte
TT club, along with late Dr. James Law and Rick Mundy.
Former clubs: Triangle Table Tennis Club (Raleigh, NC)
Equipment: racket, rubber: Buy cheap paddle from Wal-Mart or K-Mart, then replace
the rubber with Butterfly’s Sriver rubber.
Style: Right handed penholder, and an all-around player.
Overview: (commentary) If you’re 1500, you probably won’t beat T.P. Lee.
If you’re 1700, you may win as many as you lose.
If you’re 1900, and find yourself across the table from this 66 year old, you will
have to work for the win, and scramble to catch up if you’re having an off day.
The saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” comes to mind & T.P. will school those
not familiar with the old adage. He serves well, blocks everything back, and hits
with surprising youthful enthusiasm. Consistency is his strongest point, he can hit
winners, but makes many points on opponents errors. On a good day he can own a
challenge table for most of the night, often long after many younger players have
had enough.
As an active club manager, he is often the first person to greet a new player.
Many new members and especially youth owe much of their progress to time spent at
the table with T.P. (jp)
Memorable matches: After taking a break from tt for most of the 90’s,
T.P. Lee returned to the game as if it was a summer break rather than close to 10
years. Sometimes the most memorable matches are not wins over higher rated opponents,
but competitive close matches with players at the same level.
Dave England and T.P. Lee have had countless encounters over the years and their
rivalry continues today. Both players could be described as having similar strengths
and game plans, resulting in close, hard fought games.
It’s a coin toss who will win tomorrow, but it’s a sure thing that they will play.
Memorable tournaments: N / A
Sponsors: N / A
Favorite shot: Loop to opponents backhand
Favorite serve: Strong backspin mixed with no spin.
Stategy against higher rated players: Serve short, low with strong backspin.
Strategy against lower rated players: Play games in such a way so both players have
lots of fun & get exercise. Favorite players at this level are Joe Rigdon & Bill
Engelbreth.
Common mistake people make when playing you: The opponent has to be able to “lift”
the ball or has the experience to attack the ball with strong backspin (underspin).
Comments: I want to get some exercise to maintain good health.
Playing table tennis can get the exercise that I need, and with a lot of fun too.
