WIDESPREAD PRAISE FOR JORDANIAN’S ACT OF SPORTSMANSHIP

Jordan’s Zaid Abo Yaman has received widespread praise following a tremendous moment of sportsmanship at the Seamaster 2017 ITTF Asian Table Tennis Championships taking place in China.

During his tense opening singles match in the team event against Malaysia’s Leong Chee Feng, Abo Yaman, 23, was awarded a point at a crucial stage of the game.

However, he immediately advised the umpire that the ball had clipped the end of the table and the point should be awarded to his opponent; the correction was made; instead of having a 7-5 lead it was 6-all.

“I think in life be honest, respect people and respect your opponent; it is the same whether in work or in play, always behave correctly,” said the Amman-based policeman after eventually losing the match 3-1.

His conduct has drawn praise from international media covering the event with one saying he had “upheld the best traditions of sport”.

However, Abo Yaman made up for that defeat by winning his doubles match with partner Zeyad Aldmaisy against Macao’s Cheong Chi Chon and Wang Chun in five games.