Question

LONDON---The International Table Tennies Federation(ITTF) plans to work with Bill Gates, the chairman of Microsoft Corporation, to promote(促进) table tennis in the United States, ITTF President

Adham Sharara said.

The plan was put forward after Gates came to London to watch the game between US teen player Ariel Hsing and Chinese Li Xiaoxia on Sunday, Sharara told Xinhua in an interview.

Sharara didn’t disclose the details, but said that Gates offered to help after watching Hsing’s match, in which the 16-year-old girl nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Olympic table tennis history, pushing No. 2 seed Li to the limit before losing 4-2 in six tight sets.

“Gates was surprised to see the young American girl played so well. He asked me what he can do to help promote table tennis in the United States. I think we’ll work with him. If the United States becomes very strong in table tennis, it’s also good for China,” Sharara said.

Sharara said the case is a “good example” which shows that ITTF’s efforts in promoting the popularity. The ITTF has changed its rules for the London Games, allowing only two players from one nation to enter the singles events. Three players from each National Olympic Committee(NOC) were allowed to enter the singles in previous Games.

“The reason we do this is to help more NOCs to join in our game. If we give more chances to the top countries, someone like Hsing will not come to the Olympic Games. They have no chance. But if we give them the chance, we can see what they can do,” Sharara said.

Sharara said the change increased the pressure on strong teams, like China, Japan, South Korea and Germany. “But they understand now because they saw other NOCs attending. Some countries before had no chance to play in table tennis, but now they are joining in table tennis.”

Other changes made to the Olympic Games include the color of floor (from red to blue) and new table design. “As far as presentation is concerned, we try to change all the time, especially in the Olympic Games. We hope to give audiences something new, exciting and cool.”

Table tennis has long been the strengths of Asia, especially China. Since the sport was introduced into the Olympics in 1988, China has taken 20 of 24 gold medals available. Four years ago in Beijing, it claimed six medals in the men’s and women’s singles.

Talking about the development of table tennis, Sharara said, “China has the responsibility to promote the sport. Of course, China has done a lot.”

1.It is mainly reported in this news that in order to promote table tennis in the United States, _______.

A. ITTF will cooperate with Gates

B. Gates watched Hsing’s match

C. some rules have been changed

D. Hsing pushed Li Xiaoxia to the limit

2.What gave Gates more confidence to promote table tennis in the United States?

A. The Olympic spirits.

B. The popularity of table tennis.

C. Sharara’s patient persuasion.

D. Ariel Hsing’s wonderful performance.

3.Which of the following is ITTF’s purpose of making changes to the London Games?

A. To attract more local audience to the matches.

B. To prevent strong table tennis teams developing.

C. To promote the popularity of table tennis.

D. To give Asian teams chances to join in the match.

4.The following paragraph will most probably talk about_____________.

A. the table tennis rules B. Gate’s detailed plan

C. what China has done D. sports in the United States

Answer 1