Samsonov sees parity coming

Belarusian star Vladimir Samsonov has predicted China's dominance of table tennis will eventually come to an end.

"You can say China is very strong in table tennis ... but I don't think Europe or any other country have no chance to compete with China. I think things will change," the 40-year-old said on the weekend.

The world No 3, who opened his sixth Olympic campaign on Monday with a singles third-round match, recalled the 1990s when legendary Jan-Ove Waldner and his Swedish teammates were the ones to beat.

"More than 20 years ago, you couldn't say China was dominant. We had so many strong European players at that time who played very well and (could) win any tournament. That generation was great," Samsonov said.

"Now China is dominating, but it doesn't mean that will last forever.

"Financially, China was a much stronger country in the 1990s than in the 1980s. This also made a difference. It meant more people could concentrate on sports. Also, you have a tradition (of table tennis) in China. You have great culture and a great system.

"I know that in the 1990s many Chinese played for European clubs, and now everyone is longing to play in China. Even Europeans should train in China," he added.

Samsonov reached the quarterfinals at two previous Olympics, losing out to China's Wang Tao at Atlanta 1996 and to Zhang Jike, the eventual champion, at London 2012.

Asked what's the secret to keeping active in his 40s, the lanky Belarusian laughed and said: "I don't think there's a real secret.

"Of course, you have to be professional, work hard and take care of your body. I'm also very happy with my family, I enjoy life. I've also been lucky enough to avoid a big injury." Samsonov is undecided if he will bring down the curtain on his playing career after Rio.

"I'm not the youngest. I'm 40. So, probably, yes," he said. "But you never know what will happen.

"If you're going to the Olympics, you want to win a medal. And at my age, the chance is getting smaller and smaller."

Jorgen Persson of Sweden, Jean-Michel Saive of Belgium and Croatia's Zoran Primorac competed at seven Olympics between 1988 and 2012.Nigeria's Segun Toriola is in his seventh Games in Rio.